
Copyright In°_ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



The Secret of Life 



-^ OR its- 



Harmonic Vibration 



Knowledge, Power, Obedience, 



Obedience to Knowledge Gives 
All Power and Makes 



Health, * Happiness t * Fullness of Life. 



To the one who wills to know, 
Life yields up its secrets* 



—OVER — 

TWO HUNDRED EXERCISES 

—TO— 

Cultivate the Five Mediums of Expression. 



By 

FRANCIS KING 

The San Francisco School of Health and Culture. 



THE SECRET Of WFE l 



OR 



JHAF(MOJMie VIBR/cTIOjM 

CONTAINING 

THREE STUDIES 

AND 

TWELVE LESSONS 

VII PARTS EACH 
OVKR 

TWO HUNDRED EXERCISES. 



IT 
Deals with Man — Physiologically, Mentally, Morally and Psychologi- 
cally — For the Development of the Five Mediums of 
Expression in the Objective World, 



BY 

FRANCIS KING. 



San Francisco, Cal. 
HARTWELL, MITCHELL & WI 
107 Montgomery St. 

1897. 





FIRST COPY, 



19*17 









57936 



DEDICATED TO 

THE STUDENTS OF THE SECRETS OF LIFE. 

TO THOSE 

WHO WILL TO KNOW, TO BE, TO DO. 



COPYEIGHT 1897 
BY 

FRANCIS KING. 



All Rights Reserved. 



CONTENTS. 






PAGES. 
Preface. 

Introduction by Prof. Philip Aklis Hubert. 

FIRST STUDY. 

Introduction — The Secret of Life — Harmonic Vibration — The 
Great Forces of Life — Electricity, Principles — Magnetism, 
Principles — The Principle of Life, Principles — Resume — 
Possibilities of the Study — End of our First Study 8-29 

SECOND STUDY. 

Classifications of The Study — Man — Your Inheritance 30-44 

The Two Great Works — What is Ours — The Law of Creation — 
The Golden Key — The Five Avenues of Influence — Vibra- 
tions — How the Five Mediums Influence — The Touch — The 
Voice — The Movements — The Eye — The Thoughts — Two or 
More Mediums Used at the Same Time. 

The Twelve Lessons, VII Parts Each 45-125 

Introduction — Arrangement of Lessons. 

Part 1— Breathing. 

Mechanical Breathing — In-Breathing — Soul Illumination 
Breathing— Creative Breathing — Breath Packing — Blood 
Control in Breathing — Concentration in Breathing — 
Rhythmic Breathing — 33 Exercises. 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

Movements in Poise — Elementary Movements — Movements in 
Opposition — Electric Movements — Magnetic Movements — 
Electro-Magnetic Movements — Movements in Touch — 77 
Exercises. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Exercises for Acquiring Correct Position of the Vocal Organs — 
And The Open Throat — For Enriching — Giving Strength- 
Giving Range — Coloring — Making Flexible — Developing 
Qualities — 34 Exercises, embracing numerous others. 



IV CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 
Part IV— The Eye. 

Exercises for Developing, Calmness — Steady Movement — 
Power — Penetration — Concentration and Energy — 20 Exer- 
cises. 

Part V— The flentality. 

Exercises in Concentration — Cultivation of Memory — Vocabu- 
lary — Imagination — Calmness, Passivity — Language — Med- 
itation — Concentration in Hearing — Concentration in 
Touch — 39 Exercises. 

Part VI— Regimen. 

Regulation of Food — Drink — Bathing — Clothing— Sleep — Per- 
sonal Habits — Care of Eyes and Ears — Study — Anti-Dys- 
peptic Treatment— Anti-Fat Cure— Miscellaneous. 

Part VII— floral Regime. 

Sarcasm — Gossip — Criticism — Quarrels — Discretion — Honor — 
Earnestness — Self-Poise — Reliability — Dignity — Ambition 
— Politeness — Grace — Activity — Eternal Vigilance — Love. 

FINAL STUDY. 

Directions for Healing Diseases 126-134 

Directions for Thought Transmission 126 

Retaining the Vital Forces by Retreat 127 

Utilization of the Vital Forces 129 

The Law of Prosperity 130 

Divine Marriage 132 

The Golden Key 134 

The Twelve Formulas. 

For the Liver — Kidneys — Bowel Disorders — Cold on the Lungs 
— La Grippe — Prevention of Colds — Blood Diseases — 
Asthma, Bronchial and Lung Troubles — Affections of the 
Eyes — The Face, to Keep Skin Soft — Insomnia — Brain and 
Muscle Elixir 135 

Extension of the School of Health and Culture 138 



PREFACE. 



It is the desire of the author of this little book to impart, by a sim- 
ple yet comprehensive system, a knowledge of the laws and principles, 
as he understands them, governing life in the body. You who study 
this book, and carefully practice its lessons, will in a very short time 
find a new life, and a new world opening up to you ; — a world so full of 
new things, so replete with treasures, so boundless in hitherto un- 
thought of creations. It will place in your hands the key, that will 
open up every avenue of knowledge. It will teach you how to be suc- 
cessful in life, whether in the business, social or professional world. It 
will give you an understanding of the secret forces of life and an ability 
to use them in accordance with natural laws. It will solve the problem 
for you, of perfect health, continued health and long life. It will ena- 
ble you to overcome your weaknesses, moral, mental and physical. It 
will cultivate within you a power little dreamed of. It will make life 
bright and joyous, because you have a definite object to live for. It 
will develop you a character, refined, strong and exalted. 

The reader or student may not agree with the Author in all that is set 
forth in the theory ; but that will not prevent his or her sympathies 
and support in the one great purpose of the work — and that is, a contri- 
bution of the Author's best to the highest good of man, individual and 
universal. 

While the arrangement and construction of the system is new, it is 
but a different application of the same laws and principles, ever new as 
they are newly applied. Although many of the exercises are new, many 
of them have been embodied in other systems long since used, and have 
more or less been utilized by every great and successful person in all 
periods. 

The geniuses of early and late systems of training have scarcely 
left a stone unturned in the discovery of principles. The pres- 
ent work claims as a distinctive feature— the adaptation of the best in 
old and new methods to the present advanced demands of a progressive 
age. 

The system as set forth is based upon the law of vibration. This law 
as studied and applied constitutes a rational and thorough process of 
culture and unfoldment of the human organism in all its parts. 



VI PREFACE. 

The author believes that an unfoldment or development on but one 
plane of life falls far short of what is possible for the human being to 
attain by a symmetrical unfoldment on all planes. For this reason the 
system deals with man Physically, Mentally, Morally and Psychically. 

The plan of the work recognizes the necessity of knowing somewhat 
of the great forces operating in the external world, and so gives a brief 
explanation of those two potent factors in physical life. It then pro- 
ceeds by demonstration to show the operation of these forces in the 
human body, and the relations of man in the internal world to man in 
the external world. The principles involved constitute the underlying 
causes for the numerous phenomena of Personal Magnetism manifested 
and influencing individuals, classes and masses of peoples in all periods 
of human history. The system is arranged in lessons, made simple, 
and easily understood and practiced by old or young. 

The work is commended to teachers as offering a simple and concise 
text book adapted to students of all ages It embodies the essentials of 
a liberal ground work in preparation for advanced training along the 
many lines of study it anticipates. To teachers and professional people 
a knowledge of the principles as applied is indispensable. 

As the book will fall into the hands of many already afflicted with 
diseases affecting the functions of certain organs of the body, a number 
of most valuable formulas are embodied. 

The book is valuable for its brevity. The student's time is not taken 
up with lengthy dissertations, but the grand principles and truths are 
presented in condensed form, clear and positive. The principles are 
deduced, and their application made by exercises, which will bring 
speedy and wondrous results to the student. Those who apply them- 
selves diligently and perseveringly will reach great ends. A knowledge 
and application of the laws and principles herein set forth has done much 
for the writer, and it is possible for others to reap still greater blessings. 

The author here begs to give a word of caution. The person who 
follows the directions of this book will be able to acquire a great power, 
which might be used over others for selfish ends. Let no one so misuse 
such acquired powers, for soon or late it will react with destructive effect 
upon the one who violates the sacred trust of the rights and weaknesses 
of another. 

The work is humbly commended to the candid and generous, the 
truth seeker and the nobly ambitious. 

The Author. 



INTRODUCTION 



PROF. PHILIP AKLIS HUBERT, M. A., D. D., 

Financial Secretary Livingstone College, Late Principal of Her 
Majesty "s Schools, West Indies. 



In this, the most wonderful and remarkable age of human develop- 
ment, it is in no wise surprising to find a panacea of marked magnitude 
projected by a master mind. Considering the unwavering tendency of 
the physicality of mankind towards devitalization, it is purely Samari- 
tanic to contribute any antidote which may protect and preserve. 

" The Secret of Life, or Harmonic Vibration " is destined to do for 
humanity what no previous work ever did. After a critical survey of 
the production, I have come to the conclusion that it is nothing short of 
a blessing to mankind. From a scientific and philosophical point o£ 
view, the reading public will ever be grateful to the author for the lore 
of information which it contains. 

The perfect system observable all through the work cannot help car- 
rying immense weight with the student. Contrary to the frequent 
complicatedness of some books, the simplicity of the "Secret of Life, 
or Harmonic Vibration " is pronounced, and the reader will have no 
difficulty whatever in solving and digesting its contents from beginning. 
to end ; and withal a most practical work. 

As a scientific addenda of no mean merit, its terseness, brevity and 
epitome shine forth brilliantly. Old and young alike will gather at the 
fountain of the " Secret of Life " to quaff and live with renewed vigor. 
A new generation will emerge from the class room and the home by its 
careful study and digestion. Its thorough groundwork is all that a lib- 
eral architect could desire. 

Knowing Prof. Francis King as I do, his extensive familiarity with 
the subject in question and his place among the sound thinkers of to- 
day, I make no hesitancy in commending him and his inestimable 
boon — "The Secret of Life, or Harmonic Vibration " — to all those who- 
believe in the utilization of all life's mortal forces for individual benefit, 
as also for the good of those with whom we have a common lot. 

The subject is not a new one, but its modus operandi is perfect nov- 
elty and will work with charming effect. May God speed the work to- 
dying mortals is all I ask. 

PHILIP AKLIS HUBERT, 

Livingstone College, Salisbury, N. C 



THE 3ECW OF I<IFE; 

OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 



OUR FIRST 5TUDY. 

All secrets are revealed to the one who wills to know them. 
INTRODUCTION. 

Many new things are being discovered in these days of rapid 
advancement. Things which a few years ago would be called 
marvelous now excite but little wonder. Solomon was not 
far wrong when he said : " The thing which hath been, it is 
that which shall be ; and that which is done, is that which 
shall be done ; and there is no new thing under the sun." 
Principles and laws are eternal, unchangeable, but the results 
of these laws are of infinite variety. Like the ever changing 
views of the kaleidoscope, new and significant combinations 
are being constantly produced, with the ceaseless onward spiral 
move of life. Man is slowly evolving out of the obscurities of 
the past. Each revolution of the spiral of life seems to bring 
him near to where he stood years or centuries before, but in 
reality he is far beyond, for the experiences of the past he can 
never lose. Every effort upward places him a little higher in 
the scale of life. Thus it is, that the operation of laws and 
principles unknown to him at one age, but dimly understood in 
another, may be well known at a later period. As a result of 
applied laws and principles, man speedily passes through mar- 
velous changes, working out for himself great and rich bless- 



IO THE SECRET OF UFE ) 

ings by his applied knowledge. It was only in 1773 Watt per- 
fected the steam engine, and Fulton the steamboat in 1806. 
The French telegraphed in 1794. A little over a century, but 
what a change in civilization? In 1878 the streets of Paris 
were first lighted with electricity. Only nineteen years ago, 
but what phenomenal progress since ? What the results will 
be a century hence, who dare prophesy ? 

We have just entered the domain of a new era. Electricity, 
that subtle force of life, which permeates all things, has at last 
been called upon in earnest, after the long weary centuries of 
the past, to perform its wondrous transforming work. Under 
its reign the glories of the by-gone ages will pale into obscurity 
before the still greater triumphs of its light and power. There 
will be a new gospel, a new dispensation, a new civilization. 

Man has by laborious ways ascended, successively, heights of 
progress, only to be thrust down, again and again, to make 
more perfect his works and greater his attainments. His long 
experiences of the past have taught him to look within, and 
there he has discovered the secret of his being. He finds him- 
self face to face with his soul, and within that soul or inner 
life, or God manifest to him, he perceives the creative forces of 
life. He is learning to let that soul dominate him, and lo 
and behold ! for himself a new world he creates. He now 
comes to know the meaning of ' ' and God created man in his 
own image," and again, " and God said let there be light, and 
there was light."* Man in these latter days, rising up in the 
majesty of his glory, walking in the footsteps of his Creator, 
sends forth the edict, "let there be light," and behold there is 
light. By what authority doth man thus speak and act, build- 
ing up or tearing down, gathering or scattering, binding or 
loosing, so to speak, with the keys of Peter, in earth, heaven 
and hell ? Aye — by that power and authority which cometh 

*Ger>. 1. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. II 

from knowledge. Where got he his knowledge ? By subdu- 
ing himself. By conquering and subduing himself, he has 
learned to "have dominion over all things upon the earth" 
and is fast bringing the elements into subjection, finally ful- 
filling his destiny as the arbiter of his own being, and all life 
and conditions in the objective world — Man the Creator, — the 
supreme one in the world of his own creation. 

The individual man who learns first himself to conquer, may 
in time, another conquer. Pliny said in the middle of the first 
century of this age, " that there is surely a power within man 
of attracting, changing, binding, or impeding whatsoever he 
wills to attract, change, bind or impede." It is the search for, 
the cultivation and the development of this power to which we 
direct your energies in the study of Harmonic Vibration. This 
study will open up to you the Secret of Life. 

Skc. i.— the secret of life. 

To most of us, life is a mystery. How little we know of our 
origin, the object of our being and end. We do not know how 
to account for the strange lot that has fallen to our inheritance. 
We wonder at the singular experiences of life. We try in our 
ignorant way to make the best of things. We have been 
taught that God sends suffering, disease, sorrow, bereavement 
and affliction to chasten and make us better. We endeavor 
patiently to bear our ills, scarcely questioning that there are 
natural causes for everything which befalls us. 

Tremblingly we stand upon the threshold of the mysterious. 
We are urged on by some irresistible longing to know the se- 
crets of life. We hesitatingly draw apart the curtains which 
hide the unknowable, to us long forbidden. We have been 
afraid that God would be displeased if we should pry into 
these secrets. We felt we must be resigned to God's will and 
take life as he sends it, rather than make life for ourselves and 
others. 



12 THE SECRET OF LIFE | 

But the dawn of a new age has come — " the second coming 
of the Lord from Heaven." The eyes of men are opened to 
behold the indwelling God, who liveth and moveth in every 
soul to perform his perfect will. No longer fearfully we halt, 
peering wistfully into the forbidden. The Spirit of Light, in 
this new dispensation, stands ready, at the portals of every 
soul, to reveal all m3^steries to the one who wills to know. 
Not without, not without, shall you find this knowledge, but 
by the Spirit within ; " for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea 
the deep things of God."* 

It is possible for us to know ourselves ; to know why we are 
here and our end in life ; to know how to make the best use of 
our powers ; to learn how to develop new powers ; to under- 
stand why and how things take place, and to prevent undesira- 
ble conditions. Step by step w r e may grow into conscious 
power, by a knowledge of the laws and principles underlying 
all results or conditions. Such a knowledge is gained only by 
a life tuned to harmonise with these law r s, and governed by 
these principles. As gold is found by the one who searches 
and digs for it, so life yields up its golden secrets to the one 
who wills to have them. The road may be long ; the task 
may be hard ; the struggle may be fierce ; but the glorious end 
w T ill bring a reward of which the heart little dreams. Think 
not that Heaven pours her rich blessings into the lap of the 
idler, or the coward, or the selfish. It will be a struggle with 
eternal vigilance as the w T atchword, for " we wrestle not against 
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, 
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spirit- 
ual wickedness in high places, "f It is indeed not flesh and 
blood with which we have to contend. It is the psychic forces, 
or the soul world or life, sending out continuously those vibra- 



*lst Cor. 2-10. 
fEph. 6-12. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 13 

tions which produce all conditions in the objective world, or 
the world of flesh and blood. These vibrations produce life or 
death. They are harmonious or discordant. They are con- 
structive or destructive. This is the road w T e now travel ; the 
work we take up. We must learn the law of vibration, if we 
would know how to protect, how to defend ourselves from the 
evil, from the undesirable. We must learn harmonic vibration, 
if we would reach the goal, eternal happiness, and find the 
secret of life. 

Sec. 2— HARMONIC VIBRATION. 

What is harmonic vibration? Vibration means, "Rapid 
motion back and forth ; especially the repeated motion of the 
parts of an elastic body or medium." " One complete move- 
ment of this kind from the time when the vibrating particle 
leaves its equilibrium position, to the time when it again passes 
through that position in the same direction, is a complete vibra- 
tion." Such is the scientific definition. (Vibrations treated 
in Section 9, Second Study.) All things are the result of, all 
phenomena are due to, vibrations. These vibrations then, are 
produced in a medium and proceed from a cause. It may be a 
first cause or secondary cause. Our senses may or may not de- 
tect these vibrations. The most subtle vibrations may be lost 
to the outward sense, but detected by the inward trained or 
cultivated sense. 

Harmony means, "agreement in relation; order;" "that 
which is pleasing to the sense." It may be to the ear, as 
sounds ; to the eye, as objects ; to the touch, taste or smell, as 
sensations. 

Harmony is agreement. Agreement is order. Order is life. 
Order produces cosmos. Cosmos is a harmonious and complete 
system. Inharmony is disagreement. Disagreement is dis- 
order. Disorder is death. Disorder is chaos. Chaos is con- 
fusion. On the one hand we have cosmos — life ; on the other,. 



14 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

chaos — death. Every impulse sends forth vibrations which 
tend to life or death, cosmos or chaos. 

Harmonic Vibration, then, is — vibrations, harmonious with 
or correspondent to the impulse sent out, for the purpose of giv- 
ing life or producing cosmic conditions. Now, as our every act, 
word or thought tends to either life or death, it is a matter of 
the most vital importance that we should learn the law of vi- 
brations. As every vibration we set up tends to the life or 
death of another, so, by the reflex law, it acts in a like manner 
upon ourselves. 

We will now proceed to the examination of the great forces 
in the objective world, through which and by which all things 
are produced and exist on the physical plane. 

Sec 3-THE GREAT FORCES OF LIFE. 

As we hinted in our introduction, man has learned some- 
what of the correspondence between himself and external 
things, or the relations between the world within and the world 
without. He has become aware of the operation of the forces 
in the external world, by a conscious or unconscious knowledge 
of the operation of those same forces in his own world, the in- 
ternal world or the microcosm. These great forces are given as 
Gravity, Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Heat, Actinism or 
Chemic Action, and the Vital Principle of Life. We are satis- 
fied to consider these seven forces as but really three, Electric- 
ity, Magnetism and the Principle of Life. For a discharge of 
Electricity produces light, heat and actinism. We cannot dis- 
tinguish between gravity and magnetism, as gravity is the 
principle of attraction. All bodies attract to their centers, and 
again each to the other, at a rate and force corresponding to 
their mass and inversely as the square of their distances. 
Magnetism is attracting force. Again, the three forces, Elec- 
tricity, Magnetism, and the Principle of Life, are a trinity, the 
three inseparable in one. Electricity produces Magnetism, and 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 15 

Magnetism produces Electricity, and the Principle of Iyife is not 
manifested independently of these two forces in the objective 
world. Here is the subtle mystery, the wide field for future 
investigation and possibilities, the borders of which we have 
but just touched in our upward move. 

Sec. 4— ELECTRICITY CONSIDERED. 

i. Let us consider more carefully the forces, Electricity 
and Magnetism, as we now understand them. Six hundred and 
fifty years before the Christian era, Thales, a Greek philosopher 
and mathematician, said, "Electricity is the soul residing in 
electron." We say electricity is life. Strange that man should 
have slept all these past centuries, unconscious of this mighty 
moving force of life, until within about a century, when such 
men as Cavallo, Galvani, Aldini, Franklin, Symmer, Morse, 
Oerstead, Faraday, Wheatstone, L,odguin, KoslofT, Bell, Edison, 
Tessla, and a host of others, unlocked the doors and led us out 
into a new world. And shall we say these men were or are 
but pioneers in the new age ? What geniuses may arise after 
Edison and Tessla have passed ? What inspiration may yet 
flow from the vernal heights of eternal light, to guide man's 
mind and footsteps into still profounder mysteries ? 

Electricity Everywhere. — 2. It is a universally accepted 
demonstration that electricity is found everywhere, — in every 
body — fluid, gas or solid. 

Faraday.— 3. The great Faraday said, "That a drop of 
water placed upon three or four grains of zinc would evolve 
electricity equal in quantity to a thunderstorm." 

How Discerned. — 4. This latent electricity is discovered un- 
der proper conditions, for instance, take two different metals, a 
piece of lead and a like piece of silver, place one above and 
the other beneath the tongue ; now touch the ends, and a taste 
is discovered by the sensitive papillae of the tongue, like vitriol 
of iron. , This is nothing more nor less than an electric current, 



1 6 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

formerly thought to be due to vibrations of the metals. In 
this simple experiment the principle of electrical generation is 
discovered and explained. 

Equalization. — 5. In the two metals were different degrees 
of electricity. Upon their contact the electricity equalized it- 
self over the two bodies. This set up a motion or electrical 
current. Again, the saliva forms a weak acid which induces 
electrical motion by means of the chemical action w 7 hich 
takes place. 

Volta. — 6. According to this principle Volta constructed 
the voltaic pile, consisting of layers of silver and zinc and cloth, 
wet, alternately laid perpendicularly, and the ends connected 
with wires complete the circuit. 

Galvanic Battery. — 7. The galvanic battery is an im- 
provement on the pile and consists of series of plates dipped 
in vessels, horizontally placed, containing strong acid. 

Distribution. — 8. Electricity distributes itself over the surface 
of bodies. It was formerly supposed to be a fluid ; but it 
can readily be perceived that by the process of equalization a 
motion of the minute, subtle particles is set up, increased or in- 
tensified by chemic action. 

Registration. — 9. Intensifying the electricity in a given 
body, a wire for instance, makes it possible to register almost 
instantly any disturbance in the charged wire, registering un- 
der proper conditions the degree, extent, and character of such 
disturbance. Hence the system of telegraphy and telephon- 
ing. Again, all substances are conductors or non-conductors of 
electricity, with varying degrees of resistance. This makes 
some bodies good conductors and others good insulators. 
Wires are insulated to prevent the electricity being conducted 
off. 

Static and Dynamic Elect. — 10. Electricity held in check by 
insulators is called static. When discharged or a current set 
up, it is called dynamic. If you have ever witnessed a 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 17 

thunderstorm you will have a good idea of static and dynamic 
electricity. 

Density. — n. The term density signifies the amount of 
electricity on a given surface. This density varies according to 
the outlines of that surface. On round surfaces it is equal, on 
angles it accumulates densely, while in grooves or depressions 
but little exists. The sensitive electroscope discovers no elec- 
tricity on the inside of tubes or cylinders. . 

Dual Force. — 12. Electricity is a dual force. It both at- 
tracts and repels. Let amber be rubbed, and it attracts ; let 
glass be rubbed with' silk, and it repels. These two natures 
were called by Symmer, resinous and vitreous ; Franklin 
styled them negative and positive. Franklin thought that 
these two manifestations were the results of the same electricity. 

Used Independently. — 13. Later study has revealed the fact 
that, while they are necessary accompaniments, yet they can 
be made use of independently. 

Electrical Tension. — 14. As soon as these electricities are 
separated, in the least degree, there is an immediate effort to 
unite and equalize themselves in perfect union. This sus- 
pension of the two electricities is called electrical tension. For 
further study see * 

Induction. — 15. Another peculiar quality of electricity is 
found in the process of induction. A heated metal may be 
brought close to a cold metal and impart its heat, losing in pro- 
portion as the other receives, minus radiation. It is different 
with an electrified body. It may be brought near to a non-elec- 
trified body and disturb its quiescence, the electroscope regis- 
tering even great degrees, while at the same time the electrified 
body has lost none of its power by such transmission. This is 
called induction or induced electricity. 

15. But you ask what has all this to do with the study of 



Cyclopadia of Science Simplified. 



l8 THE SECRET OF UFE ; 

Harmonic Vibration ? We answer, much, very much. If we 
would understand another, we must first understand ourselves. 
If we would place ourselves in harmonious relations with the 
laws of the universe, we must first understand the operations of 
those laws within ourselves. And this we may know, by a 
knowledge of the corresponding functions of those laws in the 
objective or external world. So the old adage comes forcibly 
home again, " Man, know thyself." 

Sec. 5— PRINCIPLES. 

What principles do we evolve from our study thus far ? 

ist. Every body — whether solid, gas or fluid — contains elec- 
tricity. 

2nd. Every fibre and drop of fluid of our bodies contain elec- 
tricity. 

3rd. Electricity in check is static, in motion is dynamic. 

4th. Density means the degree of electrical density. 

5th. Bodies may be electrified by the approach of other bodies 
highly charged, at the same time the charged body loses none 
of its energy. 

6th. Electricity is of two kinds, positive and negative. Simi- 
lar electricities repel, dissimilar attract. 

7th. Electricity is not a fluid nor substance, but an unknown 
force transmitting power by vibration. Keeping these principles 
in mind, w r e will observe later, their application to life, move- 
ments and conditions of the human body. 

Sec 6.— MAGNETISM. 

We will now turn our attention to the second member of the 
trinity, Magnetism. The definition of magnetism is, " That 
quality or agency by virtue of which certain bodies are pro- 
ductive of magnetic force, or susceptible to its action ; that un- 
known cause to which magnetic force is due." 

Name. — 1. The magnetic black oxide of iron was called by 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 19 

the English " loadstone or leadstone," because it would carry 
a load or cause iron to follow it. By the French it was termed 
" the affectionate," because it had an affection for iron. This 
loadstone is said to have been first discovered by a shepherd on 
Mount Ida in Asia Minor, who noticed that the iron in his 
staff was attracted towards it. 

Magnetic Properties. — 2. It is needless to go over the history 
of its use in navigation, as it would have no special bearing 
upon our subject. The magnetic properties of the loadstone are 
easily communicated to, and retained by hardened steel. The 
loadstone is rubbed or dragged around the steel in one direction, 
and when thus magnetized we have the north and south poles 
respectively. L,ike electricity, magnetism has its two natures, 
attracting its opposite and repelling its similar. 

Electro-Magnetism. — 3. In the early part of this century an 
attempt was made to magnetize steel by electricity, this in imi- 
tation of nature, for it had been discovered that a box of knives 
had been magnetized by receiving a discharge of lightning. 
The effort was at last successful by Oersted in 1820, a Danish 
scientist, who employed dynamic instead of static electricity. 
Ampere, following Oersted, laid the foundation for the science 
of electro-dynamics. 

Dynamo. — 4. We said electricity produced magnetism and 
vice versa. To illustrate — we will take the ordinary dynamo. 
A shaft turns between two heavy irons. These irons have 
been previously magnetized so that a current of magnetism 
flows from one pole to the other. The shaft has been wound 
by wire in a special manner. It is now called the armature. 
The current of magnetism is not strong, but sufficient to start 
the electrical current. As the armature rapidly revolves and 
cuts the magnetic current, the generated electricity is taken off 
the end of the armature by brushes, and is transmitted by wires 
through the fields on either side the armature. This intensifies 
the magnetic current, which becomes exceedingly great, and 



20 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

so in turn generates more electricity, and the process continues 
ad infinitum. Thus it is seen, the principle of electrical genera- 
tion is motion, and this is true whether it be motion in the lib- 
eration of gases in chemical action or mechanical action. 

Messmer's Hypnotism. — 5. We now touch upon the theory of 
Messmer, who lived from 1773 to 1815. He revived the prac- 
tice of what he styled " Animal Magnetism," in its application 
to the cure of diseases.* This method of cure however, had 
been practiced centuries before by the Gauls, Romans, Greeks 
and Egyptians. Van Helmot and William Maxwell, Leverett 
and Greatreakes, in the seventeenth century, practiced and 
taught similarly to Messmer. Messmer claimed to have first 
produced by magnets what was later on called hypnotism by 
Braid in 1842. It is a singular fact that persons in the hyp- 
notic state are attracted to magnets ; they will endeavor to pass 
by all objects and reach the magnet, if a good sized one be 
brought into the room during the state, and, having reached it, 
they will gaze upon it, or place their hands to it with great sat- 
isfaction. Formerly, and even at present, many persons make 
passes, stroking and otherwise in inducing hypnotic sleep, all 
of which Fahenstock rejects as entirely unnecessary. f We are 
in no way teaching nor dealing with hypnotism — only notic- 
ing it as one of the phenomena of the subjective powers of the 
human mind. Our study leads us along the broad road of hu- 
man possibilities. And we do not stop to deal definitely with 
one phase of the possible powers we are cultivating. Each one 
must decide for himself or herself what he or she will do with 
their God-given powers —all entrusted to their care, so to 
speak, to be used for the highest good of their fellows. 

Galvani. — 6. Contemporary with Messmer was Galvani of 
Bologna, who instituted his theory of animal electricity. The 



* See Quarterly Review, July, 1890, page 236. 

t Staturolism by Fahenstock, and Psychic Phenomena by Hudson. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 21 

story is told that as he was preparing some frogs for his sick 
wife, he accidentally discovered that the limbs of the frog were 
affected by the point of a scalpel held near the prime conductor 
of an electrical machine in action. In his demonstrations he 
would touch the lower part of the spine with a copper wire 
and the muscles of the leg with a zinc wire, and bringing the 
wires together a circuit was formed which immediately made 
the legs of the frog convulse in a curious manner. 

Aldini. — 7. After the death of Galvani, who like many an- 
other noble person suffered indignities because of his progressive 
views, and died in poverty and neglect, Aldini took up his 
work, traveling through Europe demonstrating the physiological 
experiments of his uncle. His theory formulated was — " Mus- 
cular contractions are excited by the development of electric 
fluid in the animal machine, which is conducted from the 
nerves to the muscles. All animals are endowed with an in- 
herent electricity appropriate to their economy, which electric- 
ity, secreted by the brain, resides especially in the nerves, by 
which it is communicated to every part of the bod}^. The 
principle reservoirs are the muscles. When a limb is willed to 
move, the nerves, aided by the brain, draw from the interior of 
the muscles some electricity ; discharging it upon their surface, 
they are thus contracted and produce the required change of 
position." Similar is the view expressed by Mueller, when he 
says : " The primitive fibres of all the voluntary nerves being 
at their central extremit}' all spread out in the brain to receive 
the influence of the will, we may compare them to the keys of 
a piano, on which our thoughts play or strike, and this gives 
rise to currents or vibrations of the nervous principle in a cer- 
tain number of primitive fibres, and consequently to motions." 
Messmer's Theory. — 8. Messmer's theory of animal magnet- 
ism was nicely put ; he said : "A needle is placed in harmon- 
ious relations with the system of the universe by being mag- 
netized, for then it fulfills an orderly function, and always 



22 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

points in one direction. By an analogous function the human 
body is placed in harmonious relation with the universe around 
it, and this property is called animal magnetism." To demon- 
strate the presence and action of this electro-magnetic power, 
Aldini would form a battery of the heads of oxen recently 
killed. They were placed upon a bench side by side. A sil- 
ver w T ire was thrust into the ear of one head. The tongue of 
the same head was connected with a wire to the ear of the 
next head, and so to the next. A wire then was inserted in the 
tongue of the last head. Now the two wires were made to 
touch the limbs of a frog prepared, and at once the limbs 
would perform strange contortions. 

It is a remarkable fact that a current of electricity can be 
evolved from alkaline and acid solutions through an animal 
membrane or porous diaphragm. 

Human Battery. — 9. Now, nearly the whole extent of the 
mucous membrane of the human body is bathed with an alka- 
line mucous fluid, while the external covering, the skin, con- 
stantly exudes an acid fluid. The mass of flesh being between 
these coverings, meeting at the external outlets, thus forms a 
powerful battery, and was shown by Donne to send forth 
currents, producing deflection of the magnetic needle. Again, 
the magnetic needle can be deflected b}^ an effort of the will, 
and that at a considerable distance, by making the muscles tense. 

Torpedo Fish. — 10. We have read of the torpedo fish w r hich 
has two large batteries, one on each side the head, filled with a 
great number of cells, connected with large nerves from the 
brain and spine. x\t will, it can send forth shocks sufficient to 
stun or kill its victim or enemy. 

Illustrations could be multiplied indefinite^ to show the 
electro-magnetic power in the animal and human body. For 
epitome of organic electricity read* 



* "Elements of Natural Philosophy," by Golding Bird. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 23 

Sec. 7- PRINCIPLES. 

Let us turn now to the principles evolved. 

1st. As all bodies contain latent electricity, so all bodies 
contain latent magnetism. 

2nd. As electricity has two natures, so also has magnetism. 

3rd. Electricity generates magnetism, and magnetism gen- 
erates electricity. 

4th. The human body is a most skillfully constructed dy- 
namo. 

5th. Electricity and magnetism are the two great potent 
forces in the objective world. 

6th. Motion intelligently directed will produce both elec- 
tricity and magnetism. 

7th. The person in whose body these forces exist in den- 
sity, that person thrills with a great degree of energy and power. 

8th. The one who understands how, is able to generate at 
will, vast and unfailing stores of these vital forces. 

Sec. 8 —THE PRINCIPLE OF LIFE. 

1. We deal now with the third member of the trinity, the 
Principle of Life. Here we approach a domain as yet forbid- 
den, for who can know the Principle of Life, its origin, its na- 
ture, its end ? This Principle of Life moves and manifests it- 
self. It lays hold upon the two great secret forces, electricity 
and magnetism, in the objective world, and becomes hidden in 
their operation ; and they in turn are lost to their identity in 
the manifestation of itself. It would be exceedingly interest- 
ing to pursue the study more deeply, as to the manifestation of 
the Principle of Life. It is dual in its character, being posi- 
tive and negative, or, in other words, possessing potentialities 
capable of manifesting itself in the highest heaven or lowest 
hell. It goes on forever building or destroying. It manifests 
itself now in one, and now in the other, of its characters, ac- 
cording to the domination of the one or the other of its natures. 



24 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

We perceive that the three forces, each with its two-fold na- 
ture, forms a six-fold entity, and the union of the six completes 
the perfect number seven. This is the mysterious life, the un- 
knowable, the eternal. 

2. The Principle of L,ife manifests itself in its creations ; in 
the external world of matter ; in the mental world of thought ; 
and in the psychic world of character. First — In the external 
world, by moulding matter, shaping forms, and constructing 
objects ; Second — In the mental world, by creating thought 
forms, mental pictures and thought transference ; Third — In 
the psychic world, by building character and destroying char- 
acter. 

3. The Principle of Life operates through electricity and 
magnetism as mediums for conveying its motives and desires. 
If these mediums are dense or supercharged, then the efforts 
meet with greater and speedier results in the objective world. 

4. There is a medium of communication for electricity, viz : 
solids, gases and fluids ; and there is a universal medium for 
magnetic force. In ancient cosmology a fifth element was sup- 
posed to exist above the moon and far beyond, filling all 
space, and of which the sun and stars were composed, and 
which the gods breathed as air. About two hundred years 
ago, three celebrated mathematicians, Descartes, Hook and 
Huygens, held the theory that light was propagated by the 
vibration and undulations of a subtle and elastic fluid called 
ether ; and that this filled infinite space, and permeated all 
bodies, solid, gaseous and fluid. This theory, which is now 
universally accepted, maintains that ether is exceedingly more 
elastic and active, as well as more subtle than air. It readily 
penetrates all bodies, and by its elastic force expands itself 
through the heavens. Its density is considered to be greater in 
open space than in compact bodies, and increases as it recedes 
from them. It is supposed, by its growing density as it recedes 
from the celestial bodies, to cause the gravity of those bodies 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 25 

towards one another, and of their parts toward the bodies. 

Through vibrations of this medium, hearing, seeing, and all 

animal motions are made possible. William Crookes has done 

much to demonstrate the existence of this medium by his long 

continued and exhaustive vacuum experiments, resulting at last 

in the perfection of the Radiometer and Otheoscope.* With 

regard to ether he says : " It has been computed that in a single 

cubic foot of the ether that fills all space there are locked up 

10,000 foot tons of energy, which have hitherto escaped our 

notice." 

Sec 9— PRINCIPLES. 

Let us again resolve these thoughts into principles : 

1 st. There is one universal medium in which and through 
which all bodies are united, great and small ; in which all be- 
ings exist and exert influence, be they mortal or spirit. 

2nd. The will, through the human body, can generate 
great quantities of electro-magnetic force, by electrical motion 
and attraction from magnetic sources. 

3rd. Through this universal medium of ether, by electro- 
magnetic force, according to the law of vibration, the Principle 
of Life transmits its will. 

Sec. 10.- RESUME. 

1. Briefly let us review the study thus far. We dealt with 
the three great forces, the " trinity," Electricity, Magnetism 
and the Principle of Life ; the interblending of these forces ; 
their united action as one force, manifesting itself in all of the 
varied phenomena of the universe. We said, according to 
demonstration, electricity and magnetism were inherent in all 
bodies, whether solids, gases or liquids. We found electricity 
is generated in density by either chemical or mechanical pro- 
cesses. We understand the cause is action or motion directed 
intelligent!}'. 



* For account see " Ency. Science Simplified." Article on Light. 



26 THE SECRET OF UFE ; 

2. We explained Magnetism, the second member of the 
trinity, whose peculiar property is to draw or attract, thus ac- 
cumulating magnetic force. It was demonstrated that elec- 
tricity generates magnetism and magnetism generates electric- 
ity, and without magnetism no electricity can be produced. 
Magnetism is thus the great center of conservation. It con- 
tinually attracts, so multiplies its force or density, intensifies its 
energy, while in the act of transmitting that energy by electric 
force. Electricity in density is thus made possible by this 
magnetic center. Through the law of motion, electricity draws 
its energy from the ever increasing fountain. So the law of 
supply and demand goes on forever adjusting. 

3. We called attention to man's knowledge of the existence 
and operation of these great forces in the external world. That 
the laws which govern the operation and phenomena of these 
forces in the external world or macrocosm prevail in man him- 
self, the internal world, or microcosm. And that man arrives at 
a knowledge of the functions of these great forces in the world 
without, by a conscious or unconscious knowledge of analogous 
functions of these same forces within himself, as all things 
proceed from the center to the external, or from within, out. 
Knowledge or cognizance is within, and its manifestation, out- 
ward. We cannot be impressed or affected by any objective 
condition or thing without a like correspondence of that condi- 
tion or thing w T ithin. Man is thus in himself the theater of all 
activity. Within his being, body, mind and soul, all the forces 
of the universe surge. 

4. The Principle of Life is the Omnipresent, Omnipotent, 
the Unknowable, the I Am, moving and manifesting its will and 
end through these two all-potent mediums, in the objective 
world. We saw that these three forces each had two natures, 
making six in all. In perfect manifestation we behold the 
seventh, the perfection of union, the completeness of life. Here 
we stand face to face with the mystery of life. Each one must 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 27 

solve it for himself or herself; or, in other words, simple and 
comprehensive, each must know himself or herself. So all hold 
in their hands their own destinies. As the Father liveth and 
moveth in perfection of life in his creation, so man in the image 
of the Father liveth and moveth only in his own creation, and 
attaineth perfection of existence only as he perfectly knoweth 
himself. It is well put in the Scripture : " All things are pos- 
sible to him that believe th," and again: "All things are 
yours, whether of this world, or life, or death, or things present y 
or things to come, all are yours." Here is to the one who has 
wisdom or who wills to have it. This is the grand, inspiring 
and exalted study which we have entered upon, — the study 
which contains in itself all other studies. 

Sec ii.— POSSIBILITIES OF THE STUDY. 

By the practice of the exercises set forth in the lessons, one 
is able to develop a remarkable degree of physical health, 
strength and energy. The process of cultivating and bringing 
into active use every part of the body, as well as developing 
electro-magnetic energy, is understood and acquired. Bodily 
weaknesses and infirmities are removed, and all this without 
the use of any mechanical contrivance. 

Persons with excessive amount of fatty matter are enabled to 
dispense with all of the undesirable flesh of the body without 
the aid of patent nostrums or vigorous dieting. 

It is equally efficacious for developing roundness and fullness 
of form and much increased weight to spare persons. 

It gives grace, beauty and symmetry to body and movements. 

It comes as near being the panacea for all ills as anything 
can be, and is truly the elixir of life, the golden end, the fas- 
cinating dream of Alchemists. It is the spring that Ponce de 
Leon sought. 

By it one is enabled to maintain an equilibrium of their 
forces. 



28 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

By cultivation and development of one's powers through the 
various exercises and studies of the system, one will be able to 
accomplish all that is claimed by the student of occultism ; and 
by this knowledge and power the person can protect himself or 
herself against all adverse or opposing forces on the physical or 
psychic planes. 

Through this knowledge one will be able to transmit his or 
her thoughts or purposes at will, even to great distances. 

By a knowledge of the laws and principles involved in the 
study, one may develop a healthfulness and vigor of body and 
mind that will prolong his days and enable him to die in a 
green old age. 

By the powers acquired through the diligent practice of the 
lessons in concentration and generation of electro-magnetic 
force, one will be able to cure diseases. 

Lastly, for all duration one can wisely build up the enduring 
things of the universe, forming and building sublime characters 
in himself and others, counteracting and destroying evil, and 
finally reach the pinnacle of existence, oneness with the Crea- 
tor — the Secret of Life. 

Sec 12.— END OF OUR FIRST STUDY. 

Read well, ponder deeply, study carefully all that has been 
written in our first study. Bring corresponding readings to 
bear. Nothing has been lightly given. Long and deep 
thought and experience have prompted the formulation of the 
theories set forth. Look within. Your own soul will give the 
best reflection. Have faith in yourself, in your own powers. 
They may be latent, but }^ou possess them. You may never 
have known how to cultivate them, how to use them. Make 
up your mind the time has come in the history of your life, if 
never before, when you are going to will to do, to be, to know. 
For you never will be what you ought to be, what you want to 
be, and what you can be, until you do what you ought to do, 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 29 

what you want to do and what you can do ; and you never 
can know until you be, for knowledge is the thing worked out, 
and it has got to be worked out in your own life and not an- 
other's. The knowledge of the world is not yours, it may be 
another's, but it is only yours experimentally. 

Before you lies the study, 'tis deep, 'tis subtle, 'tis Divine. 
You may not see but little as you take it up ; the way may not 
seem to promise much ; the end may be obscure. But who is 
he who comes to the end of the way save he who travels over 
the road ? You may indeed read to the close of the system, but 
it is only when you have traveled carefully each step of the 
way that you will have amassed an experimental knowledge 
which you will be able to gather up as many richly colored 
threads and weave into a beautiful garment for yourself; and 
clad in such a garment of strength, purity and integrity of 
character, you will walk before your fellows a veritable god in 
the flesh. 

(End of First Study.) 



30 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

SECOND STUDY. 

I can be what I will to be. 

Sec. i.— CLASSIFICATIONS OF THE STUDY. 

i. Any system of study or practice which has for its end the 
betterment of an individual is valuable. The more it recog- 
nizes the complex character of man and is adapted in its studies 
to develop all sides, faculties and powers of the student, the 
more valuable it becomes, providing its system is not too com- 
plicated. Man}^ systems of culture are complex and cumber- 
some, and so defeat their ends. Others are simple enough, but 
not sufficiently comprehensive in their objects to lead the stu- 
dent into a knowledge and cultivation of his innate powers. 
They develop the student partially, but leave the rest unculti- 
vated, and do not even put him in possession of the knowledge 
whereby he can go on and develop himself. Some systems 
deal entirely with man on the physical plane, regardless of his 
other powers and life. Others train the mind, developing the 
mental powers at the expense of body and soul, and finally to 
the expense of the mind. Still others deal with the spiritual 
nature of man, ignoring either the body or mentality, or both. 
The tendency now is to train the body and mind, forgetting 
the psychic life and powers from which all bodies and minds 
and conditions of bodies and minds emanate. 

2. The purpose of our studies is to place the student on an 
independent basis ; to awaken and unfold the powers of his 
body, mind and soul, and to put into his hands the golden key 
that will unlock all avenues of knowledge and power. 

3. Inasmuch as man manifests himself on the three planes of 
life, viz : the physical plane, the mind plane, and the soul 
plane, our studies will deal with him physiologically, mentally, 
morally and psychologically. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 3 1 

Physiologically. — 4. It will deal with advice as to personal 
habits, food, clothing and care of body, and will aim to culti- 
vate daily habits as to exercises and practices for the develop- 
ment and maintenance of vigorous health of body. 

Mentally. — 5. It will deal with the control, discipline and 
direction of the mental powers, by simple exercises through 
easy and gradual stages— first by mastering single elements, 
then by synthetic grouping in perfect parts. 

Morally. — 6. It will deal with those vices and virtues which 
go to make up the moral character, which constitute the foun- 
dation for all that is possible in the physical, mental and 
psychic life of the individual. 

Psychologically. — 7. It will deal with the application of the 
subtle laws of life ; first, to the cultivation of the physical, for 
the purpose of giving perfect strength, beauty, grace, sym- 
metry and power to physical expression ; and to subdue and 
utilize the body as a great storehouse of vital energy from 
which the Principle of Life may draw to construct in the cos- 
mos. Second, to the development and regulation of the men- 
tality, as a perfect instrument for thought creation and thought 
transference in the soul's world. Third, to control in the 
moral life, as a basis for the perfect adjustment of all the creat- 
ing forces, for the growth of the highest possible soul attain- 
ment, and the construction of the enduring things of the uni- 
verse. 

Sec 2.— MAN. 

In order to enter intelligently upon our study we must 
know somewhat of the nature and parts of ourselves — our- 
selves as a whole. The Principle of Life is individualized as it 
manifests itself in each separate human being. This Principle 
of Life is without beginning, without end, proceeding from the 
Creator. It comes into an individualized existence as it mani- 
fests itself in a separate organism. That organism, according 
to the eternal laws of design, is most perfectly adapted to its 



32 THE SECRET OF LIFE \ 

end. The organism is moulded by the express requirements 
of the Principle of Life. Those requirements are for its indi- 
vidualized life on all planes of existence, present and future. 
It begins its individualized career shrouded in darkness on the 
lowest plane. This low plane is the objective world of matter. 
It is cradled in matter, but it has other coverings. There is 
not only a physical body, but an animal soul, a human soul 
and a spiritual soul life. Through these and in these the 
Principle of Life lives and has its being. The Principle of 
Life, though possessing all the attributes of the Father, the 
Creator, in its individualized state, has no choice in its body, 
neither the texture of the mentality through which it will man- 
ifest itself. Here we may understand the doctrine of Brother- 
hood and the essence of all religious teaching. " For as much 
as we all are the offspring of God," as Paul put it. And again, 
in that sublime prayer of Jesus, our true relation to God the 
Father is most vividly set forth in the language, " I pray that 
they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, 
that they may be one in us." * We perceive the meaning of 
the saying, " Christ our elder brother," and " God giveth not 
the spirit by measure unto him."f Jesus, in obedience to the 
high demands of the Principle of Life, made it possible for the 
Father to manifest mightily through him. Hence he says, 
11 My Father worketh hitherto and I work." " And greater 
works than these shall ye do." The Principle of Life is alike 
in all, necessarily, but having different grades of mentality and 
physical through which to manifest, it therefore manifests it- 
self differently necessarily. Thus the multitudinous personali- 
ties of individuals are accounted for. 



* John 17-21. 
f John 3-34. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 33 

Sec. 3 —YOUR INHERITANCE. 

You may have inherited a body weak, delicate or un- 
healthy, or with a tendency to excessive fat or excessive leanness. 
You may not be gifted with much physical beauty. You may have 
inherited a brain deficient in development in many faculties. 
And all this has made you discouraged at times, because you 
could not excel as others. You have said, " There is not much 
use of me trying. L,ife does not contain much for me. Others 
have been blessed, but I have been unfortunate. The fates 
are against me." You have complained much. Your ills and 
troubles may have embittered your heart and life. You may 
have made your own life a burden and been a source of care, 
sorrow and burden to others. You may have even cursed 
Heaven for having no face of pity for you. Or, you may have 
borne your evils patiently as sent from Heaven. Heaven 
sends no ills, but only goods ; has no hate, but only love. 
Therefore if you have been that unfortunate one, as most people 
think, of all others, listen ! look ! a good angel comes to you, 
the fairy of fable, and says, " What will you ?" Did you ever 
think ministering angels are for all, not for the few ? They are 
ready to bring you what you want. They will put into your 
hands Aladdin's lamp. You can rub it, and lo ! you will be 
transported into a new condition, such as you desire. It is true. 
You may call a good angel or a bad angel, and they will do 
your bidding. You say, " Why, then, have I not had what I 
wanted long ago ?" Because you have not wanted it strong 
enough and long enough. No one has said, you can not have, 
or be, or not be. If so, who is it you have let control you, or 
dominate you, or cheat you out of your rights ? No ! no ! 
"As a man thinketh, so is he." If you think you can't, you 
cannot. If you will to do, you can do. If you will to be, you 
can be. If you do not will to be any different than you are, 
you will not be any different. 



34 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

Sec. 4 —THE TWO GREAT WORKS. 

There are then two great works before us. The first is 
— To bring the body and mind into subjection, control and dis- 
cipline, that they may be made the most perfect mediums pos- 
sible for the Principle of Life. The second is — To direct or be 
instrumental in the creation, or subjection, control and disci- 
pline of the bodies and minds of others. The first refers to our- 
selves, the second to our children and what influence we can 
exert directly or otherwise upon others. Is it then any light 
responsibility which rests upon us ? We think not, since we 
hold our destinies in our own control, and can shape the des- 
tinies of others. 

Sec 5— WHAT IS OURS. 

We live only in our own world, that is, the world of our own 
creation. We cannot live in the world of another's creation, 
save as we are conscious in our own world of what the other 
has created. To illustrate : The child or the savage does not 
perceive the beauties of an exquisite work of art. They must 
first be trained to know every color, every shade, line and form. 
Or, in other words, they must first be tuned to respond to the 
vibrations of the whole. Then it becomes a part of their world, 
since they have learned to absorb and re-create it. We may 
think many things belong to us in the objective world which 
are not of our ow 7 n creation. Not so. They are ours only in 
part, and that part only as we have approached, absorbed and 
reflected it. All things objectified by the Creator and all other 
creators are for us, to approach, absorb and reflect, or to re- 
create, and then enjoy the w r orks of our hands — our own crea- 
tion. 

Sec 6.— THE LAW OF CREATION. 

The Law of Creation is motion. Motion produces influence. 
Influence is of two kinds. It is constructive and destructive. 
From the constructive proceeds the cosmos, or orderly creation. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 35 

From the destructive proceeds chaos, or confusion and scatter- 
ing. This same law prevails in the human being whose parts 
we have considered. Motion is set up by the Principle of Life 
within the body and mind, for the purpose of working out to 
the highest and best end. The state of the body and mind not 
being perfect, the highest end is not reached. Sin or ignorance 
as darkness, exist in the body and mind which must be over- 
come or scattered.- " In the beginning God created the heaven 
and the earth. And the earth was without form and void ; 
and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit 
of God moved upon the face of the waters, and God said let 
there be light : and there was light." This record of Genesis 
portrays precisely the condition in our w T orld. The Principle 
of Life speaks, " let there be light," and that light flooding our 
being, illuminating our lives, will guide us into a knowledge 
of the hitherto mysteries of life and unfold to us the glories of a 
full creation. What we now propose is, to hear the voice of our 
own spirit and the Spirit of God within and obey its impulses. 
The watchword is Forward ! forward to the end. 

Skc 7 .—THE GOLDEN KEY. 

Take in your hand the golden key and it will unlock every 
door. The key has three parts. They are Knowledge, Power, 
and Obedience. The bit, or part which turns in the lock, is 
knowledge, the stem is power, and the bow or handle is obedi- 
ence. How shall you use it ? Listen, and daily forget it not. 
Commune with the indwelling spirit, in secret and silence, for 
your spirit is in touch with the Creator and soul of the uni- 
verse, and so all knowledge will come to you from within. 
This knowledge will give you power in all action as you go 
forth in the world of activity. And obedience to the light from 
within is the handle which you hold and must ever turn, no 
matter what seeming impossibilities stand in your way. "If 
ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this 



36 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

mountain, remove hence to yonder place ; and it shall remove ; 
and nothing shall be impossible unto you." 

Sec. 8.— THE FIVE AVENUES OF INFLUENCE. 

Once more we repeat, " the Principle of Life sets up motion.' ' 
That motion is communicated by the electro-magnetic force in 
the body and under certain control by the mind. The intent 
of the motion is to build up or construct that which is good, 
or to destroy or remove that which is not good. The condition 
or character of the body and mind, through which the influence 
of the motion passes, determines the character of the influence. 

This influence is communicated by means of vibrations. The 
magnetic force in the body holds all the sub-forces (see First 
Study, Sec. 10, par. 2) and makes possible the transmission of 
influence by electric force. These vibrations are carried by the 
electric force and impress or affect all objects, animal or human 
life, which receive these vibrations. The impressions or influ- 
ence upon the person or object correspond to the degree, in- 
tensity or nature of the impulse given by the mind or body. 
The avenues through which this vibrating influence passes are 
the Thoughts, the Eye, the Voice and the Touch and the 
Movements of the body. 

Sec. 9 —VIBRATIONS. 

1. Vibrations are undulations or waves of influence pro- 
ceeding from a source of power or cause. The impulse or ra- 
diant energy affects the body, through which it is carried, pro- 
ducing waves on which or by which it is carried along until it 
reaches its end. These undulations or waves are of many 
characters, corresponding to the impulse given and the body in 
which they are produced. The waves of the water of the sea 
roll on slowly and mightily until they break upon the distant 
shore, each succeeding wave being produced by the weight 
of the water of the preceding one. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 37 

2. Sound waves travel at the rate of 1090 feet a second in 
air. These waves or vibrations are alternate condensation and 
rarefaction of the solid, gas, liquid or atmosphere in which they 
are produced. The ear discovers vibrations to the number of 
forty-one thousand (41,000) per second in the highest note and 
sixteen (16) per second in the lowest note. 

3. The old corpuscular, emission or Newtonian theory of 
light is abandoned for the universally accepted theory of vibra- 
tion. The old theory supposed actual transmission of particles 
of matter. To show the change and growth of theory we quote : 
11 Recent experiments show that electro-magnetic induction is 
propagated in waves which have all the properties of light except 
that of affecting the retina, and it is thought by many that the 
vibrations of light are electric oscillations, not mechanical mo- 
tions."* Some idea of the rapidity of vibratory travel may be 
had when we reflect that one hundred and eighty-six thousand 
(186,000) miles are traversed in a single second. WhjteJHght - 
is produced by five hundred million of millions (1,000,000,000,- 
000 x 500) of vibrations of ether in a single second. The solar 
spectrum registers four hundred and fifty-eight million of mil- 
lions (1,000,000,000,000x458) vibrations in a second necessary 
to produce a red color, and six hundred and ninety-nine million 
of millions (1,000,000,000,000x699) per second to produce a 
violet color, f 

The length of the waves then determines color. Vibrations 
produce tones either audible or inaudible to the ear ; and every 
tone has a color, and not only color but a geometrical figure. 
Combinations of tones produce combinations of colors and fig- 
ures. These colors and forms or figures, like the tones to the 
ear, may be seen or not seen by the external eye. The clair- 
voyant eye and the clairaudient ear take up the vision and hear- 



*Article on Light, Standard Diet. 
fEncy.— Science— Light. 



3S THE SECRET OF EIFE ; 

ing where the external organs leave off. This is to some not a 
fact, never having thus seen nor heard. To others it is a posi- 
tive knowledge. 

4. The lowest manifestation of influence is by means of 
vibrations of matter through the touch, which appeals to the 
outward sense of touch or feeling. This corresponds to the vi- 
brations of solids and liquids in the physical world. The next 
higher manifestation is by vibrations of the atmosphere caused 
by the voice and appealing to the external sense of hearing. 
This has its correspondence in vibrations of the air produced by 
any physical cause. A still higher manifestation is brought 
about by vibrations of the ether, produced by the agency of the 
eye, and affecting the interior senses through the eye. A like 
manifestation to the influence produced by the eye is that which 
is caused by movements of the body. And the most subtle 
manifestations of influence now having conscious effect is 
caused by vibrations of ether produced by thought transfer- 
ence, appealing to the internal sense of sight or hearing. These 
latter three manifestations correspond to all the phenomena 
caused by vibrations of the universal ether, which vibrations 
are produced by physical causes. 

Sec. 10— HOW THE FIVE HEDIUHS INFLUENCE. 

1 . The five mediums of influence are, as we said, the thoughts, 
the eye, the movements, the voice, the touch. Now, as all 
mediums affect the character of that which passes through 
them, so the influence is affected by the condition or nature of 
the movements, the thoughts,* the eye, the voice and the touch. 
To illustrate : water passes through a filter and it is cleansed. 
Again, it may pass through a foul pipe and it is fouled. An 
axe with nicks in, will leave the marks of the nicks in the wood 
it chops. A broad pen will leave wide marks, a pointed pen 



*We speak of thoughts in the singular and refer to it as if it might be an organ 
having functions. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 39 

light marks. Green goggles before the eyes will make things 

appear green. 

The Touch. 

2. A diseased body will prevent a healthy touch. The 
touch of the hand or any part of the body will create vibrations 
of the flesh of the person touched, exactly corresponding to the 
state of the body of the one who touches ; and if the contact be 
long continued or frequent, the same condition of body will pre- 
vail in both. Hence the communication of disease. If the 
touch be that of a nervous or devitalized person, similar influ- 
ences will follow. If, on the other hand, the person who touches 
another possesses health, vigor, vitality, aud a great degree of 
electro-magnetic power, the touch will thrill with life and im- 
part its energy and character to the one receiving. Upon this 
principle has been built up the systems of magnetic treatment, 
massage, etc. In these systems of practice there has been much 
ignorant use and abuse of the principles involved, let alone all 
the charlatanish and unprincipled use of it. We knew a deli- 
cate and pure souled little lady some years ago who was ad- 
vised by some of her friends, because of her delicate health, to 
take magnetic treatment from one of these magnetic healers, a 
man, full of animal life. In doing so she violated a higher 
law, the psychic law. The man living on the animal soul 
plane transmitted his psychic influence, and the woman became 
as she thought possessed of evil spirits which disturbed her 
rest by raps and annoyances. And at the time we speak of 
she said she would rise in the morning from sheets almost drip- 
ping wet with her fearful sweats produced by terror. The foul 
influence, to her foul, was removed by one who understood the 

laws. 

The Voice. 

3. The vibrations produced by a squeaky, constrained, 
cracked, high pitched, thin or harsh voice, will have a most 
distressing effect upon the hearer if he be sensitive. And the 



40 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

long continued hearing and use of such a voice will have a most 
demoralizing and disastrous effect upon both hearer and user. 
This kind of a voice has destroyed the usefulness of many a 
noble person otherwise, and oftimes sent them into untimely 
graves. Such a voice is like the poisonous touch. It is de- 
structive, not constructive. (See Section 6, Second Stud} 7 .) 
How different is the deep, rich, full, flexible, easy, resonant 
voice, melodious in its intonations, trained in its modulations. 
How effective in its efforts, how magnetic in its appeals. How 
potent in its electric force, as it penetrates to your very being 
and searches your thoughts and purposes. Such a voice is 

rtf;zstructive. 

The novements. 

4. The movements and attitudes of the bod} 7 are potent 
factors of influence. We are more affected than we are indeed 
conscious of, by the movements and attitudes of another. And 
we are more influenced ourselves by our own attitudes and 
movements than we dream of. Every movement or attitude of 
body, out of harmony with the constructive law of motion, has 
an injurious effect upon another and reacts upon ourselves in- 
juriously. Upon this principle, proceeding from the funda- 
mental law of creative motion, is built up the system of grace, 
which has for its object the cultivation of graceful movements 
and carriage of the body. A movement of the body or any 
member of the body may be graceful or awkward. It produces 
vibrations of the ether and is communicated to the mind through 
the eye. It is perceived or understood by the conscious intelli- 
gence, or, if not, by the conscious mind ; it never escapes the sub- 
jective mind. Now, such movements or gestures may be in 
harmony with the words or sentiments uttered or occasion in- 
volved. If so, they fit into the picture or building in process 
of construction ; and in that way become parts of the orderly 
creation, strengthening or increasing the weight or force of what 
is said or done. If they are out of harmony with the occasion, 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 41 

then they detract from or destroy what is said or done. To il- 
lustrate : the person who stands with both legs or feet parallel, 
bends his knees when he wishes to emphasize, shakes his head 
as if he were using it as a hammer to beat his words into dull 
brains, saws the air aimlessly with his hands, hops about like a 
frog, paces back and forth like a caged animal, rises up and 
down on the toes as if churning the thoughts into butter shape, 
wriggles the body as if forcing the ideas through a spiral hole, 
and other absurd movements, certainly destroys the force of 
what he is trying to do, as well as making himself ridiculous. 
On the other hand, the person who sustains dignity of senti- 
ment by dignity of tone, strengthened by dignity of carriage 
of body and gesture, commands respect, if not acceptance of 
and obedience to that sentiment. Such an one becomes strong 
and rises high in the scale of creative or constructive power, 
especially if a corresponding knowledge and use be made of the 

eye and thoughts. 

The Eye. 

5. We now touch upon the eye, the most powerful medium 
of physical influence, — this most delicately constructed instru- 
ment, receiving and transmitting impressions like the electric 
flash. The subtle forces of the body play through the eye. 
The desires, intents and purposes of the mind leap out through 
the pupil of the eye as a terrible engine to accomplish its ends. 
The trained eye becomes an irresistible instrument of commun- 
icating will, at the same time reading and discovering the secret 
thoughts and intents and character of the soul of another, all 
portrayed in its liquid depths. The strong unquailing eye, 
backed by a resolute will, can command and subdue the fiercest 
animal. A look of the eye can calm the disturbed mind and 
quiet all its fears. What sweet, magnetic vibrations flow as a 
gentle stream from the eye of one to another, attracting with ir- 
resistible fascination, soul to soul. Or again, what fierce pas- 
sions, what wild tempests of emotions, what terrible fears, what 



42 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

overwhelming distraction, can be caused through the poisonous 

vibrations which are set in motion through the eye by the 

cruel, vindictive, lecherous, unprincipled soul, destroying with 

deadly effects. 

The Thoughts. 

6. Vibrations are produced in ether. They reach and influ- 
ence where the touch cannot be felt, where the movements can- 
not be seen, where the voice cannot reach, and where the eye 
cannot penetrate. Where the external organs would fail to 
give conscious recognition to such vibrations, the soul receives 
and the mind is affected by them, and responds to the impulse. 
We here account for the many impressions which we receive 
from independent sources. The degree of the impression is de- 
termined by the condition of our mind and body at the time the 
vibrations were passing. The impulse or energy may have 
been directed towards us intentionally, or it may have been di- 
rected to another by an entire stranger, and we, being at the 
time in a negative state, caught the vibrations and responded by 
thinking or feeling in a certain way. How often have you 
suddenly thought of a friend, or had a yearning desire to see 
some one, or felt almost their very presence ? How you have 
felt some sudden sense of fear, or danger, or levity, or depres- 
sion, melancholy, and many other sensations you were unable 
to account for. How you have had strange, unaccountable 
thoughts in dreams. All these phenomena and many others, 
such as mind reading, practiced by the renowned Bishop and 
others of our day, and similar phases practiced by oriental 
sorcerers and magicians, can be explained on this basis. This 
is proved most conclusively by the demonstrations of Fahne- 
stock and many others. The person put into the artificial 
somnambulistic state, having certain of the faculties suspended, 
is able to read most accurately the thoughts of another. These 
thoughts assume definite pictures or forms. We said before 
that tones produced certain geometrical figures by vibration. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 43 

Quite a common demonstration is made, by placing fine sand on a 
glass plate and touching the plate with a tuning fork. Again, 
vibrations produce colors. (See Section 9, Par. 3, Second 
Study.) These figures and colors are invariably the same 
when the same degree of energy is employed. Impulse through 
thought creates vibrations of ether, producing definite figures 
and colors. These figures, forms and colors are readily seen 
by the person in an artificial somnambulistic state. A com- 
mon practice of oriental magicians is to direct the mind of the 
reader to a little pool of ink, or earth glass of various charac- 
ters. Here the picture reflected or produced by the thoughts 
is perceived by the clairvoyant reader, and he reads precisely 
as he sees. He may see the figures of persons long since dead, 
landscapes, vessels, objects, or anything that is created by the 
mind of another. 

Sec ii— TWO OR ilORE riEDIUflS USED AT THE SAHE TiriE. 

1. Two or more mediums of influence may be employed at 
the same time. For instance, a speaker uses the thoughts, the 
eye, the voice, and movements of the body simultaneously. It 
can readily be seen, if the speaker has trained these mediums to 
become perfect instruments for communicating the will, what a 
powerful effect may be had upon an individual or body of peo- 
ple. The vibrations from the movements of the body are in 
perfect consonance with the vibrations produced by the voice, 
and these are in perfect accord with the vibrations of the full 
and vivid expressions of the eye, working in response to the 
vibrations caused by the systematic and keen thoughts of the 
mind. Such a combination was found in the mighty Demos- 
thenes, which caused Philip of Macedon to say, that he feared 
Demosthenes more than all of the fleets and armies of the Athe- 
nians. One man may set up vibrations which may thrill a na- 
tion or nations. Peter the Hermit set all Europe ablaze by 



44 TH E SECRET OF UFE ; 

his zeal. 6,000,000 of people gathered from all parts and went 
on a crusade against the infidel Turk. 

We have now got before our minds the nature, object and 
ends of our study. We have considered the laws and princi- 
ples underlying the phenomena in the physical world. We 
have seen conclusively that the same laws and principles apply 
to human life, and we have caught a glimpse of what is possi- 
ble by observing these principles and putting ourselves into 
harmony with these laws. We now proceed to build system- 
atically upon this foundation. That which follows is scientific, 
and you who observe and practice the instructions laid down, 
will reap rich fruits for your labors, fruits which thousands be- 
fore you have gathered. 

(End of Second Study.) 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 45 

FIRST LESSON. 

" I can, I must, I will." 
INTRODUCTION. 

The fundamental law of creation is ?notion. Motion is begun 
primarily for the purpose of constructing in the cosmos. The 
effect of every motion is to produce vibrations. These vibra- 
tions are constructive and destructive. There is no motion with- 
out an effect. The Principle of Life sets up motion, for its 
eternal end is to manifest in the objective world, or the world 
of effect. The individualized Principle of Life manifests through 
the organism of a human being. That individual human being 
is the product of evolution and heredity. It is the purpose of 
the Principle of Life to exalt that human organism into divin- 
ity — body, mind and soul. The operation is slow, the work 
long continued. Man moves onward in obedience to this im- 
pulse as at a snail's pace through ages. Individuals at all 
periods rise to Divine heights of unfoldment in obedience to 
this impulse and so solve the secret of life. They are the sav- 
iors of mankind, " the lights of the world," obeying the same 
impulse of their being as the great Master. 

The Principle of Life within is long diverted from its end by 
the imperfections of the huaian organism. Its every impulse 
is to bring the body and mind into perfect subjection and con- 
trol. Every action of the human organism is in keeping with 
its character. It is either more or less imperfect. The impulse 
given by the Principle of Life for the purpose of constructing, is 
often diverted by the human organism and becomes destructive. 

The great work immediately before us is, to bring the human 
organism into harmony with the / Am of our being, so that 



46 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

every force of our body and mind shall be used in constructive 
acts. Bear in memory, that not a thought of the mind, not a 
glance of the eye, not a sound of the voice, not a movement or 
touch of the body, or any member of it, but is either construc- 
tive or destructive. The one omnipresent ruling effort of life, 
then, ought to be construction. Demosthenes uttered the three 
great principles as, " Action, action, action." These are mov- 
ing factors in life. Their echo is, constmct, construct, construct. 
With such a burning thought in our minds we will study well 
every action that our lives may set in construction. Every ac- 
tion, then, builds up or tears down. This process goes on eter- 
nally. What we build up to-day we may have to tear down 
to-morrow. What we destroy to-day we shall be obliged to 
build up some other time. It is a perpetual resurrection from 
disorder to order, from chaos to cosmos, and vice versa. The 
more we build in harmony with the principles of perpetuity, the 
more enduring will be our works and the wider our creation, 
and the greater our exaltation to Divinity. The less we know 
and observe the laws of construction, the longer we shall dwell 
in ignorance, darkness and sorrow, both now and hereafter. 
There is nothing to be gained by waiting for an easier time or 
more favorable circumstances. They never come. While we 
wait, our opportunity goes forever, and we are carried a little 
further down the stream and find greater obstacles when next 
we try. 

Some will read this little book and then lay it down, probably 
never more to puzzle their brains over it. Others will study it 
quite well and practice many of the exercises for a time, and 
then lay it aside. Still others will study it carefully and find 
out the accuracy of the theory by putting into practice, well 
and long, its precepts. Will this be you ? If so, you will suc- 
ceed in whatsoever you undertake. You will solve the mystery 
of your being. You will possess the Secret of Life. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 47 

THE LESSONS.* 

The lessons will be divided into seven parts each. These 
parts or general divisions will be : ist — Exercises in Breathing. 
2nd — Exercises for the body, including Movements and Touch. 
3rd — Exercises for the Voice. 4th — Exercises for the Eye. 
5th — Exercises for the Mentality. 6th — Regimen, or care of 
body and personal habits. 7th — Moral regime. 

Each succeeding lesson will review portions of the preceding, 
each time adding new features. The lessons may be too 
lengthy to be practiced all at one time. From one hour to five 
hours a day, five days in the week, can be used profitably in 
practice. At least an hour a day should be devoted to careful 
practice. This will ere very long do great things for you. 

Remember — let the exercises be practiced carefully and con- 
scientiously, or you will in many cases lose the valuable re- 
sults. When you become wearied, stop and try something 
else. Do not make haste, and hope for too much without al- 
lowing sufficient time for results. Observe carefully all direc- 
tions. There is nothing superfluous in the studies. Everything 
has its part, place and purpose in the great whole. 

Calling attention to the maxims for each lesson, we charge 
you, go forward ! " I can, I must, I will." 

Part I— The Breathing. 

We begin with the breathing— -for the breath is life. Very 
few people understand how to breathe properly. This is an 
astonishing fact. As a result of our ignorance of correct breath- 
ing, many, very many ills in life are due. Proper, full, deep 
breathing lays the foundation for vigorous health ; a rich, full, 
strong voice ; a graceful, magnetic and commanding presence ; 
mental acumen and power ; success in life, and long life. The 



*The exercises as given throughou: the lessons should be practiced for a week 
and continually reviewed. 



48 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

principle is — the oxygen of the air is an absolute essential to 
animal and plant life as well. The blood and air are brought 
into such close contact in the lungs as to be separated by only 
a twenty-fifth hundredth part of an inch. In the close contact, 
carbonic acid and impurities are thrown into the lungs to be 
expelled from the body, while large quantities of oxygen are 
absorbed into the blood. In the process over half a pound of 
carbon is consumed daily in the body, and more than three- 
quarters of a pound by hard workers. When it is remembered 
that nearly twenty-five hundred gallons of blood are purified 
daily, requiring over eighty barrels of air, it can easity be seen 
that every possible cubic inch of membrane of lung cell should 
be brought into full use, instead of being but partially used or 
allowed to fall into decay or dry up by unwise habits and prac- 
tices. 

The examinations by a medical professor of St. Petersburg of 
over two hundred professional singers, found that their lungs 
were better developed than most persons, and they were free 
from lung diseases. We quote the ill results of corset wearing, 
whether tight or loose, by Dr. Kellogg : i . "By compression the 
muscles of respiration lose their power to act, and waste away, 
so that deep, strong respiration becomes impossible. This is 
the reason why ladies feel, when deprived of their corsets, they 
would 'fall all in pieces.' 2. By confinement in a stiff case, 
the elastic cartilages which unite the ends of the ribs to the 
breastbone, so as to give freedom of action, become rigid, and 
thus prevent full expansion of the chest and filling of the lungs. 
3. By compression of the lower part of the lung, the upper 
part is crowded up against the inner border of the first rib, 
against which it is continually pressed, so that the constant 
motion and friction finally excite irritation, which undoubtedly 
becomes the starting point of many cases of consumption."* 



*Kellogg's Rational Medicine. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 49 

In the lessons we will give exercises for the perfect develop- 
ment of the lungs. Under this training many lung difficulties 
will disappear as by magic. 

Ex. 1. — Stand with the weight on the balls of the feet and 
heels lightly resting on the floor, toes out about forty-five de- 
grees angle. Keep the shoulders down always, and well back, 
not tightly drawn back. Head erect. Direct the mind to the 
abdomen, and get control of the muscles. Place the hands up- 
on the hips, fingers upon abdomen. Now expel the breath. 
x\s you do so draw in the abdomen by contracting the muscles 
and assisting with the fingers. Now release muscles and pres- 
sure of fingers. As you do so, by an effort of the mind throw 
out the abdomen, at the same time inhale or take in breath 
through the nostrils. Note — Do not in this exercise let the 
breath expand the chest, but keep the abdomen rising and fall- 
ing, rising and falling. Let the breaths be short at first, grad- 
ually increasing the length. Now you have the beginning of 
good breathing. Practice this daily for one week, from fifteen 
minutes to an hour, at intervals. 

Part II — flovements of the Body. 

All movements are graceful or awkward. A graceful move- 
ment is harmonious. An awkward movement is inharmonious. 
One is constructive, the other destructive. 

All movements should be made from centers out, following 
the laws of construction. 

Law — all things proceed from centers. Center is poise. We 
must learn poise under all circumstances. The thought before 
us is poise and harmony in movement. Harmony of movement 
is poetry of motion. Harmony creates pleasing, soothing vi- 
brations. Such vibrations are constructive if used aright. All 
impulses are constructive or destructive according to the intent 
and use. A motive may be right with wrong methods, or it 
may be wrong with right methods. A right motive with right 



50 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

methods will invariably produce right results. A right motive 
with wrong methods will produce confusion. A wrong motive 
with right methods will destroy. 

Our work in this part of the study is to learn right methods 
of expressing our thoughts and intents by movements of the 
body. 

These right methods are not natural in any, but acquired. 
They are cultivated and acquired in obedience to laws and 
principles governing them. 

The fundamental law of harmonious or graceful movement is : 
Perfect subjection and co?itrol of the body by the mind. Principle : 
The body, or any part of it, cannot be used to correctly portray or 
intensify the subtle thoughts of the mi?id tinless under perfect con- 
trol. Movements or gestures are made for the purpose of in- 
tensifying the thought vibrations. If these movements are in 
harmony with the impulse, they intensify. If out of harmony 
they detract or destroy. Hence, all movements are constructive 
or destructive. 

Movements wiil be divided into : i — Movements of the legs. 
.2 — The arms. 3 — The hands. 4 — The torso, or trunk. 5 — 
The shoulders. 6 — The head. 

Ex. 2. — Stand as in Ex. 1, Breathing. Now shift one foot 
back about four. inches, and let the weight of body rest on 
.retired leg. The knee of forward leg is bent slightly, and the 
heel of that foot is about three or four inches from the instep of 
retired foot. Hands hanging easily by the side. You have 
now the correct standing position. Now practice shifting from 
one leg to the other. 

Ex. 3. — Take a step forward. Stop with the weight of bod}- 
resting on the ball of forward foot and the toe of retired foot just 
touching the ground. Now another step, another and another. 
Note — See that the body does not move by jerks or straight 
lines. Let the movements be undulatory, rhythmical. Always 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 5 1 

moving from the center. Now move backwards in the same 
manner. 

Ex. 4. — Repeat Ex. 3, moving the right shoulder slightly 
backward as the right leg advances. The left side in the same 
way in a gentle, rhythmic move. You have now correct 
method in walking. Note — Observe all the way through the exer- 
cises the elementary positions and moves. We must necessarily 
condense much. Do not forget any part or any direction given. 
Carry this with you once for all. 

Div. 1, The Legs. Ex. 5. — Stand ; weight on ball of foot ; 
raise one leg, project it forward as far as possible, slowly and 
steadily, seven times. Reverse feet. Now project backwards, 
now obliquely, now sideways. Both legs. Now make a com- 
plete circle with the leg. Reverse. Note — Always keep your 
poise. Do not move the body nor arms. Let the movements 
be made slowly, steadily and without jerks. 

Div. 2. The Arms. Ex. 6. — Raise the right arm from the 
side, in front of the body, up to the chest, about two inches 
from the body. Let the movement begin at the shoulders, 
raising the arm by the energy flowing gradually from the 
shoulder to the wrist. Let the hand hang loosely downwards. 
As the hand reaches the upper part of the chest turn it gently 
and gracefully outward, at the same time straightening the 
fingers with a slight impulse. Now drop the arm easily down 
to the side. Repeat with left. The movements if well made 
will be very graceful. Repeat with both arms fifteen times 
for a week. 

Div. 3. The Hands. Ex. 7.— Extend the hand in front, elbow 
by the side. Move the thumb up and down, in and out. Now 
the first finger, the second, the third, the fourth. Reverse 
hands. Note — Keep all the fingers still save the one moved, 
the fingers will have to be separated in the side moves. Per- 
sistency will be required to get the fingers pliable. Repeat 
each fifteen times for a week. 



52 THE SECRET OB UFE ; 

Div. 4. The Torso." Ex. 8.— Stand as in Ex. i. Bend the 
body at the hips forward and downward as far as possible. 
Now backward. Now to the right. Now to the left. Now 
make a rotary movement, carrying the head in as wide a circle 
as possible. Note — Make the movements slowly and steadily 
throughout. It may be hard at first, but it will grow easier. 
Repeat seven times for a week. 

Div. 5. The Shoulders. Ex. 9.— Move the right shoulder up 
ten times. Now down. Now forward. Now backward. Now 
in a circle. Repeat with the left. Repeat with both. Note — 
Keep the rest of the body still. 

Div. 6. The Head. Ex. 10.— Project the head forward as far 
as possible. Now backward. Now right. Now left sideways. 
Now move in a circle. Note — Do not move the rest of the 
body. Do all slowly, without jerks, each seven times. De- 
vote a definite time each day to practice, until all the parts are 
pliable. 

Part III— The Voice. 

As long as we live in the body we are obliged to use the ear 
to hear and the voice to convey our thoughts. Not always, 
however, for there are times when soul answers to soul and 
mind to mind without words ; but universally this is the mode 
at present of conveying thoughts and sentiments, saving where 
resort is had to mechanical means. The ear is delicately con- 
structed to hear any kind of a tone, and the organs of speech 
as wonderfully constructed to produce any kind of a tone. As 
matter is to spirit, so words are to thoughts. Thoughts the 
internal life ; words or sounds the external, the covering, the 
body. As every part of the human^body is essential to per- 
fect life, and every part in perfect health and use, so every part 
of a word, phrase or sentence is essential to make a perfect 
body for the material sense to discern. It can thus readily be 
seen how every slightest sound or utterance should be perfect- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 53 

ly formed and enunciated. How every tone, intonation and 
modulation, whether in speech or song, should be in perfect 
harmony with the thought or sentiment, in order to produce a 
complete body for the material sense to behold and under- 
stand. If the voice be defective or inadequate to produce vi- 
brations in accord with the impulse, then the impulse will be 
diverted, perverted or destroyed correspondingly to such de- 
fect. (See Second Study, Sec. 10, Par. 3.) 

The work in this part of the study will be to get control of 
the vocal organs and develop a clear, rich, strong and flexible 
voice, capable of expressing the sentiment of the heart, the 
pictures of the mind and soul utterances. Necessarily this 
will require months of practice of the exercises here given. 
Remember, habits of use have been formed and the organs 
have become set, especially if you are mature in life. All the 
muscles and parts concerned have to be loosened and made 
pliable to make a perfect instrument, a fit medium of expres- 
sion of the thoughts of the mind. Other works may be studied 
in connection with this. In our study the true method of 
voice culture will be followed as best we can in our limited 
space and time. 

Correct Position of Vocal Organs. Ex. 11. — Stand as in Ex. 
1, or sit, leaning slightly forward, back unsupported, and 
here we might say it is well never to support the back. Direct 
the mind to the throat, throw out the corners by an effort of 
the will. Now draw in the corners. Next, lower the larynx 
or Adam's apple by the will. The act of yawning deeply will 
lower it to the utmost degree. Now raise the larynx. The 
act of swallowing raises it to the greatest degree. When you 
have learned the movements raise and lower the larynx by 
muscular effort. Note — The throat may become sore at first, 
rest, and repeat often, but not long at a time. 



54. THE SECRET OF UFE J 

Part IV— The Eye. 

The eye, like any other part of the body, can be strength- 
ened by intelligent exercise and use. Many affections of the 
eye can be removed and the powers of this organ greatly aug- 
mented. Much use of the eye never hurts it, but abuse will 
destroy it. Our study has in view the wise care of the eye, 
its revitalization, and its development into a powerful medium 
of vibratory transmission. 

Ex. 12. — Stand or sit; fix the eyes on a spot across the room 
on a level with the eyes. Keep the eyes fixed while you 
slowly move the head to the right, then to the left. Now 
move the head downward as far as you can without removing 
the eyes, now upward. Note — Be careful not to strain the 
eyes, so do not move the head too far at first. Practice these 
moves seven times each way, increasing every day, for a week. 

Part V— The Mentality. 

The term mentality signifies the sum of the mental facul- 
ties, — that part of the human being in which the Principle of 
Iyife enthrones itself, so to speak, and by which and through 
which it manifests individualized existence, — that part of the 
human being which lives on in enthroned life after the body is 
no longer needed to give it earthly dwelling, — which possess- 
es new or unseen forms of habitation in wider spheres of un- 
foldment. 

It would be impossible in a work of this kind to deal in ex- 
planation satisfactorily with the faculties of the mind, giving 
to each faculty the place and consideration due it. Whether 
we consider with Dr. Gall, the founder of phrenology' , that 
" each fundamental faculty is possessed of four degrees or 
quantities of activity, viz : perception, memory, judgment and 
imagination, " or whether we accept a later analysis of Fahne- 
stock, who considers every faculty possessing the functions of 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 55 

consciousness, attention, perception, memory, association, 
likes, dislikes, judgment, imagination and will, it is imma- 
terial. These functions belong to the Mentality. It is the 
work before us in this part of the study to call into active op- 
eration and power all the functions of the various faculties. 

A prevailing disposition is to cultivate some faculty or fac- 
ulties to the neglect of others. Such persons become very pro- 
ficient in given lines of thought, study or practice. They live 
and grow in certain directions, but do not round out all sides 
of their nature and being. Like a tree that has the sunshine 
or moisture all on one side, it is one-sided in its beauty- 
They having cultivated but one side in life, become unsightly 
when viewed on their other sides. They are undesirable as 
companions. They go through life unconscious of the beauty 
and blessings which abound everywhere, and when they pass 
out of this world they keep on in straight lines, in beaters 
paths, finding even no harmonious association with those like 
themselves, for the others, like themselves, have one-sided 
lives. These lives may be called selfish, for it is an excessive 
indulgence in that which pleases most. 

The thought before us is, cultivate that faculty which seemsr 
to be deficient. This does not mean to neglect your prominent 
faculties. They will be strengthened by developing others. 
For instance, if you are deficient in the faculty of Time, begin 
to measure intervals, first with the eye and then with the mind. 
If deficient in Ideality, study the beautiful and sublime and 
cultivate those feelings. If deficient in Comparison, compare 
objects and then ideas. If lacking in Form, study outlines y 
shapes and distances. If Memory is poor, then begin to re- 
member events, and so on. 

We now enter upon the practical part of our study, the ob- 
ject of which is (See Second Study, Section i, Pars. 5 and 7). 
In the process of the studies the functions of each faculty or 
the mentality, viz: Consciousness, Attention, Perception^ 



56 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

Memory, Association, Likes, Dislikes, Judgment, Imagination 
and Will are brought into full play. 

Ex. 13. Concentration. — Sit in a darkened or dark room, with 
eyes closed or covered if not dark. Open if dark. Let there 
be no noise to distract. Have a ring or circle drawn previous- 
ly and placed a little distance from the eyes. Now concentrate 
for about fifteen minutes and endeavor to see the circle, not 
with the external eye but the internal sight, or in the mind, 
or from the center of the forehead, or from the solar plexus. 
The solar plexus is the collection or centralization of the 
nerves found in the abdomen just back of the stomach. Note 
— Let no other thought enter the mind during the concentra- 
tion. Do this for three days in the week at the same hour, 
either day or night. 

Ex. 14. To Acquire a Vocabulary. — Commit to memory two 
words a day and their synonyms. A convenient and most 
valuable book is Soule's. Note — Use the words at every op- 
portunity in conversation. Commit five days in the week and 
review the sixth. Keep this up for three years and you will 
have a fine command of words. Little by little we gather 
volume and power. 

Ex. 15. To Cultivate Memory. — Remember each evening the 
events of the da}' in the order of occurrence. At the end of a 
week sum up the important. 

Ex. 16. To Cultivate Imagination. — Sit down in quietude. 
Close the eyes. Create a scene in the mind, a mental picture. 
It may be to paint a picture. Go through all the process of 
preparing canvass, brushes, paints, etc. Then make the 
groundwork and build up, supplying the scene from memory, 
or create it. Or view a house being built. See the material 
brought and prepared. Observe the workmen in their various 
parts. Hear the sound of the hammering and sawing, etc. 
If this be too difficult, bring before the mind a single object. 
Many persons are deficient in imaginative powers. It may 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 57 

take a little time to start the process, but after a while the pic- 
tures will stand out vividly. Note — Do this three days in a 
week, continuing where you left off last, or make new scenes. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Regimen means a systematized order or course of living, 
with reference to food, clothing and personal habits. A loco- 
motive receives strict care and attention from the engineer. 
Its very habits and nature are studied. Can it be possible 
that we should expect our bodies, so varied and complicated 
in their parts, to run without proper care and attention ? How 
few of us understand anything about our bodies and the prop- 
er care of them. Before we get through with our studies we 
■will know so much about our bodies, if we profit by the les- 
sons, as to be able to keep them intelligently regulated and in 
perfect health. Our method is common sense care. It is not 
necessary to write lengthy directions, explanations or theories. 
The pith of all that could be said or written will be given. 
Experience has demonstrated the value and accuracy of the 
advice. 

Food. — There are many extreme views as to dieting. What 
is highly proper for one, may be highly improper for another. 
Each individual case must be considered by the individual 
himself. One may not eat nor prescribe what to eat for an- 
other. There is such a thing as giving too much thought to 
w 7 hat we should eat and what we should not eat. Killing our- 
selves and wasting our precious time with continual thought 
of our stomachs. First find out what agrees with yo\x. What 
does not agree with you let alone until the time comes when 
it w 7 ill agree with you. Acids or sweets may agree at one 
time and disagree at another, etc. 

If you are dyspeptic see Tenth Lesson. 

If your stomach is in a normal condition, eat anything that 



58 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

is not poisonous. One thing, however, must be observed if 
you would keep your stomach so. Always stop eating before 
you are satisfied. 

Pork should not be eaten at all if you would keep your 
blood pure. The hog and the chicken are scavengers. They 
are both sweet meats, but our chief danger lies in indulging in 
that which is sweet to the taste or soul. 

Only inspected meats should be eaten, and then but once a 
day. There are those who advocate no meat. Some consti- 
tutions are ready for total abstinence by living spiritual lives. 
To come up out of the influence of the habits of past genera- 
tions and heredity, is a growth. To abstain from meats sud- 
denly is dangerous to the health of some. It is a desirable 
life, but grow into it, do not force yourself into it. Those who 
live on the higher planes of spiritual thought and life will find 
a growing distaste for meat. This is in the natural order. In 
your diet let there be a judicious mingling of vegetables, fruits 
and cereals. Do not eat over and over again the same thing. 

Cooking is a great art. A good sensible cook is a gift from 
heaven. Live well. Enjoy all the fruits of the earth. Moth- 
er nature intended you should eat plentifully of all her lavish 
gifts. Do not make yourself ridiculous by imagining you are 
called upon to renounce the things of earth so long as you are in 
the body. But be not like a hog, nor descend to the foil} 7 of a 
fool in your indulgences. Remember — the wise one knoweth 
the place and use of the body as a perfect medium of expres- 
sion for the Principle of Life through the Mentality. Sur- 
feited or gorged appetites of the body drown the soul in ma- 
terial grossness and delay the day of perfect freedom and 
happiness. 

Part VII— floral Regime. 

By moral regime is meant rules governing our conduct tow- 
ards God, ourselves and our fellowmen, with reference to 
right and wrong. The manner in which we thus conduct our- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 59 

selves determines our moral character. And that moral char- 
acter, be it high or low, good, bad or indifferent, determines 
the possibilities of our lives here and hereafter. (See Second 
Study, Sec. i, Par. 6.) 

The cultivation of all virtues is a daily and perpetual task. 
But how beautiful the life and character when such virtues 
grace it ! Eternal vigilance is the watchword. Forward to 
the death of all vices. 

Sarcasm. — "From the abundance of the heart the mouth 
speaketh." "Like produces like." Sarcastic, ironical, envi- 
ous, scornful, taunting words are like so many poisoned shafts 
aimed at their victim or object. These shafts are first dipped 
in the poison of the heart and life of the user and then shot at 
the life of another. It may be an innocent person, and oh, 
how the poison rankles and blights if the person has not 
learned to ward off those cruel vibrations. They are destruc- 
tive to the one they reach if unprotected, and destructive to 
the one who uses, for they react upon the person producing 
them, according to the law that every act, effort or habit con- 
firms one in those acts, efforts and habits. And again, like 
attracts like, and so the life, heart and thoughts of the person 
become more and more bitter. The tender, the compassion- 
ate, the charitable, are crushed out, and finally the person sees 
no good, beauty nor redeeming trait in anybody. Such a 
character is truly pitiable. 

Gossip. — The gossiper is a moral scavenger. The one who 
descends to gossip descends from the noble to the ignoble, 
from the worthy, helpful and honorable to the unworthy, lit- 
tle, trifling, mean and base. Nine times out often the person 
talked about is no worse than the one who does the talking. 
"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Moral 
scavengers may be necessary to keep society healthy and reg- 
ulated, but it does not seem to regulate, and besides who 
wants to be a scavenger of moral filth? Who wants to waste 



60 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

their valuable time and energies in dealing with the faults and 
errors and weaknesses of others? Better send out strong, 
helpful, inspiring vibrations from a well poised mind and life 
that finds plenty to do in looking after its own affairs. 

Criticism, — Criticism is generally blind. When used in a 
spirit of fault-finding it is harsh and does not tend to remove, 
correct or destroy the errors or seeming evils which call it 
forth. A person sets up a standard, and believing that stand- 
ard to be correct, proceeds to criticise another by their own 
ideas. These may be right or they may be wrong. Be not 
unkind nor harsh in your opinions. Many a hesitating soul 
has been discouraged for lack of kindly criticism. If it is 
your province to point out error, do not forget the virtues 
which all possess. Kindly criticism is gentle, suggestive and 
is to be prized. It never assumes. The vibrations from cold 
criticism are sharp, lacerating and destructive. From kindly 
criticism they may wound at first, but afterwards are precious, 
for they correct, build up and strengthen. 

{End of First Lesson.} 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 6 1 



SECOND LESSON. 

11 No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of 

God "—Luke 9-62. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 17. — Position as in Ex. i. Breathe as before. Now 
take a deep breath and let the air fill and expand the chest 
after having completely filled all the lower lungs. Now ex- 
hale, letting the chest fall first and then abdomen. Repeat 
full respiration seven times. Be careful the shoulders do not 
rise and fall. 

Ex. 18. — Repeat Ex. 17. Letting the air gently force 
its way into the lungs, not drawn in, until the lungs are ex- 
tended to the fullest capacity. Now gently, slowly, steadily 
and evenly let the breath escape. Continue a week. 

Part II — flovements of the Body. 

Div. 1. Ex. 19. — Rise on toes seven times. Now bend 
knees until you sit on heels seven times. Now raise on toe of 
one foot. Now drop on one foot. Reverse feet. 

Div. 2, Ex. 20. — Repeat Ex. 6. This time extending 
the arm, full length, front down, front horizontal, front up. 
Now oblique, the three altitudes. Now sideways or laterally 
the three altitudes. Now reverse arms. Now both arms. 
Note — Down means half way between horizontal and directly 
beneath. Up means half way between horizontal and directly 
overhead. The signification of down in gesture means that 
which is beneath us, or that which we can control. Horizontal 
altitude means that which is on a level with us. Up means 
that which is above us, or that which controls us. 



62 THE SECRET OF UFE J 

Div. 3. Ex. 21. — Repeat Ex. 7. Now move each finger 
separately in as large circles as possible. Keep the other 
fingers still. 

Div. 4. Ex. 22. — Repeat Ex. 8. Now bend at the waist 
instead of hips. Continue as before. 

Div. 5. Ex. 9. — Can be practiced for some time and then 
dropped, except where used in connection with certain exer- 
cises in breathing. 

Div. 6. Ex. 23. — Repeat Exercise 10. Now move the head 
obliquely in all directions. Oblique means half way between 
front and lateral. Now turn the head slowly and smoothly to 
the right, now to the left, ten times. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Ex. 24. — Repeat Ex. 11. Now open the mouth widely. 
By an effort of the mind raise the soft palate until the uvula or 
little tongue in the throat is quite drawn up. Pull down the 
root of the tongue and let the tongue lie in the bottom of the 
mouth with a deep groove in it. Now with the mouth thus 
and the larynx deep down, as in yawning, you have the cor- 
rect position, the full, open throat. Now produce the sound, 
awe. See that it is not caught or made in the throat. Let it 
come up as through a deep open tube, round, rich and full. 
Note — Keep the position, observe by hand mirror, and keep 
the mind upon the tone, and with plenty of practice you will 
acquire it. The mind in all the physical exercises does the 
work. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 25. — Repeat Ex. 12. Now move the head obliquely 
forward and back. Now move the eyes to the left, the right, 
up and down. Now obliquely up and down, while the head 
remains still. Practice a week as before. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 63 

Part V— The mentality. 

Ex. 26. Concentration. — Continue Ex. 13, with cross 
lines drawn in the circle. Follow in the mind the circle and 
then the lines, then try to grasp the figure at once. Continue 
a week longer. 

Ex. 27. Memory. — Repeat Ex. 15 each week. Now, to 
commit to memory. Take a simple selection. Divide it into 
word groups. A. word group represents a complete mental 
picture. (See First Lesson, Article on Voice.) A group may 
consist of a word, a phrase or a sentence. Each group will 
have a new thought, unless it be a repetition of a previous 
thought, and each new thought will contain a leading idea. 
And a word will bear the idea. These words which sustain 
the idea w r ill be the most emphatic words in the group. Now 
mark them. This constitutes your skeleton key of the selec- 
tion. Now commit to memory the skeleton and remember the 
other worfls by association. 

Take the following as a model : 

il For every evil under the sun, | 
There is a remedy, | or there is none ; \ 
If there be one, | try and find it, 
If there be none, | never mind it." | — Pope. 

The words in italics give the leading ideas in each group. 
Commit these to memory in their order, and you have the 
skeleton. Now, begin again. Remember the other words in 
each group by association. What evil? every evil; w T here? 
under the sun. What about remedy? There is a remedy. 
What about none? or there is none. If, if what? if there be 
one. What does it say about finding it? try and find it, etc. 
By taking simple selections at first you will grow in power 
quite rapidly. Commit something each day. 

Ex. 28. Imagination.— Second week's study . Take the selec- 
tion given. Commit. Group and find the leading idea before 



64 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

you look at the analysis. Get the idea of secondary import- 
ance. This usually depends upon the first, or arises out of 
the leading idea. If you get the word of the leading idea, you 
will generally have no trouble in getting the word for second- 
ary emphasis, and more emphatic words are scarcely neces- 
sary in emphasis ordinarily. Now proceed to call before your 
mind a physical picture suggested by each group and the em- 
phatic words. The physical picture readily grasped by the 
mind gives the body to the thought, lesson or condition de- 
sired to be conveyed. It is a beautiful study and practice to 
call forth the pictures which suggested to the mind of the 
writer or speaker, it may be long ago, the sentiment, thought 
or lesson contained in the w T ords, and which is the soul em- 
bodied. Everything said, written or done has a form, and 
that form is preserved in impressions or results. They never 
die. The strongest or most forcible stand uppermost and are 
the most impressive. This because they w r ere better con- 
structed in keeping with the laws of fitness. 

SELECTION. 
11 Our acts our angels are, or good or ill, 
Our fatal shadows that walk by us still, 
All are architects of fate, 
Working in these walls of time ; 
Some with massive deeds and great, 
Some with ornaments and rhyme ; 
For the structure that we raise, 
Time is with materials filled ; 
Our to-days and yesterdays 
Are the blocks with which we build." — Longfellow. 

Mental Pictures. — ist — "Our acts our angels are." Imag- 
ine an angel from best paintings you have seen, or a human 
angelic face. The white robe of purity ; the peaceful counten- 
ance ; the gentle, sweet, kindly look ; the watchful, thoughtful 
mien. You can imagine different types of good angels. Acts 
would be secondary idea. Now remember some or different 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 65 

good acts you have done, similar to which an angel might do. 
The term angel expresses to the mind a being possessed with 
Divine qualities. Your good acts are personified into angels. 
2nd — " Or good " 3rd — "Or ill" You have imagined a 
good angel, now imagine an angel or being having the oppo- 
site qualities. You thus personify your bad acts. 4th — ' ' Our 
fatal shadows that walk by us still." Beings or objects cast 
shadows. Now see shadows of these personified beings by 
your side. See them light or dark, threatening or friendly. 
See them ever present, hovering, going or coming. The 
shadows foretell your fate. 5th — " All are architects of fate." 
See men drawing plans ; study them, their drawings ; see their 
instruments, their surroundings. 6th — " Working in these 
walls of time." Now see the men at work, their implements 
of labor, the walls, the size of foundation, height, thickness, 
etc. 7th — "Some with massive deeds." See massive bases 
for pillars, massive stones, massive projections, etc. 8th — 
"And great." Now see great timbers, great frames, great 
pillars, etc. 9th — "Some with ornaments of rhyme." Now 
see the beautiful architrave, frieze, cornice and filigree ; inside 
and outside decorations from foundation to roof. All this is 
compared by the writer to our work, lives, time and charac- 
ters. He shows the spiritual significance of these physical 
pictures, making one grand, complete whole. 

" For the structure that we raise, | 
Time is with materials filled ; | 
Our to-days | and yesterdays \ 
Are the blocks with which we build." j 

The words or ideas of secondary importance and which 
complete the figures are : acts, still (meaning ever), fate, time, 
some, rhyme, raise, time, our, build. Go over this carefully 
again and again, until you understand the analysis. Supply 
detail after detail. Write it out. Try another simple selec- 
tion, then another. 



66 THE SECRET OF UFE ; 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Drink. — As with food, so with drink. Good sense ought to 
direct. In hot weather when thirsty drink hot water. In 
cold weather drink cold w 7 ater. Do not drink spirits to make 
you warm or cold. The system requires little or no alcoholic 
drinks, save as stimulants in illness, and then seldom. An oc- 
casional glass of beer or porter is good as an appetizer when 
taken with meals, but should be used only as medicine or 
food, when the system requires it. New wines are poisonous. 
Old wines and pure whiskies are good and powerful stimu- 
lants. All liquors may be pleasant to the taste, but it is fear- 
fully dangerous to form a habit of drinking. The healthy 
body with normal appetite does not require stimulants. m It may 
be well to say, I can drink or let it alone. Let alone that 
which will injure you. Coffee and tea are poisonous and are 
needed, like alcohol, only as stimulants. A cup of coffee at 
the mid-day meal does not hurt much, the same with light 
wnnes, but do not drink coffee in the morning. Many persons 
suffer from heart disease produced by coffee drinking. Eat light 
breakfasts. Never drink ice water ; it paralyzes the nerve 
force of the stomach and throat, and is most dangerous while 
the body is in a heated state. Ice cream should be melted be- 
fore eating. Drink but little or none at meals. It delays the 
action of the gastric juice and overtaxes the absorbents. Drink 
before meals, or an hour or two a/ter. Upon the state of the 
digestive organs depends the condition of the electro-magnetic 
forces of the body. You may eat or drink that w T hich is good 
for you. Learn this by studying the effects. 

Part VII - -floral Regime. 

Quarrels. — Have quarrels with none. " Whosoever shall 
smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." 
11 Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 67 

twain." The principle is, do not disturb the peace of your 
mind and harmonic poise by setting up destructive vibrations 
in your own body and mind, as well as confirming or intensi- 
fying them in another. When one seeks to quarrel with you, 
collect your forces, hold your center. This will begin counter 
vibrations, and they will in a short time destroy the adverse. 
If you lose your equipoise, you, by the destructive vibrations 
you set up while in intense activity, will tear down what may 
have taken months to build up, or which may take you months 
or even years to undo. 

Discretion. — To be prudent and circumspect in one's ways 
lends dignity to the character. It instinctively inspires the re- 
spect and confidence of another. Cultivate continually a per- 
ceptive instinct of what is right and proper to say and do. Do 
not be hasty in forming opinions and giving them forth. Be 
guarded and cautious in your statements. The wise one 
thinks much but says little. Much thought tends to give cor- 
rectness of judgment and sagacious habits. Guard well the 
confidence of another. Discretion will manifest itself in the 
choice of worthy companions. It teaches one to indulge in 
nothing that reacts harmfully, to avoid all habits that demor- 
alize the forces of life, either physically, mentally, morally or 
spiritually. Discretion is the judicious administration of 
one's knowledge, powers and energies in wise, constructive 
acts. 



{End of Second Lesson.) 



68 THE SECRET OF LIFE 



THIRD LESSON. 

" There is nothing impossible to hirn who will try." — Alexander. 
" Every noble work is at first impossible."— Carlyle. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 29. — Repeat Ex. 17. Now direct the breath to the ab- 
domen, keeping the chest from rising. Next to the chest, 
keep abdomen still. Now direct the breath to the sides, keep- 
ing both chest and abdomen from rising. Next to the back, 
keep the abdomen, chest and sides from expanding. Repeat 
each seven times daily for a week. 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

Div. 1. Ex. 30. — Take a long stride in front, forward knee 
bent, weight resting on ball of front foot and toe of rear foot. 
Now obliquely. Now sideways. Reverse feet and repeat 
each seven times. Note — Alwa} r s come to position given in 
Ex. 2, by bringing up rear foot. 

Div. 2. Ex. 31.— Place the arm at the side. Raise the fore- 
arm b}' bending at the elbow ; let the hand point straight out, 
back up. The arm and hand will now be in the shape of the 
letter V. Now keep the hand perfectly still and raise the 
elbow high up ; now drop it. The arm works between two 
hinges, one at the shoulder and the other at the wrist. Now 
return to first position ; this time the back of the hand faces 
out. Move the elbow as before. Repeat with other arm. 
Repeat with both arms twenty times. 

Ex. 32. — Extend the arm straight out, back of hand up. 
Now pull it in by bending at the elbow. Keep the hand and 
fingers straight. Now shove the arm out. Repeat ten times. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 69 

Repeat with other arm. Repeat with both arms. Note — The 
shoulders, elbows and wrists are the hinges. 

Div. 3. Ex. 33. — Repeat Ex. 21. Now extend arm full 
length. Keeping arm still and straight, move the hand at the 
wrist up and down. Let the hand and fingers be straight. 
Now sideways. Now in a circle large as possible. Now 
reverse hands. Now both hands. Repeat twenty times. 

Div. 4. Ex. 34. — Stand, face front. Bend the body forward. 
Now backward. Now left. Now right. Now obliquely in 
all directions. Note — Carefully observe your movements in a 
mirror. See that the head remains in the one position. The 
hinging movements will be at the neck and small of the back. 
This is a very important movement for breaking up stiffness 
of the body. Repeat each seven times. Now make the circle, 
keeping the head in the one position. Daily practice this as 
one of the permanent exercises. 

Divs. 5 and 6. Ex. 35. Repeat Ex. 9, 10, and 23. 

Part Ill—The Voice. 

Ex. 36. — Repeat Ex. 24. Now divide the compass of your 
voice into nine pitches. The three upper wall be what is termed 
the head register, the three middle the throat register, and the 
three lower the chest register. The lowest pitch will be number 
1 , the highest number 9. Now with the throat in correct posi- 
tion produce the sound awe, in the 5th or middle pitch. 
Again, take breath and use it as in Ex. 17. Now produce 
the sound awe, prolong the tone fifteen seconds, let it be full, 
open, smooth and free from breaks, with the same pitch and 
force. Now take breath as before, and produce the tone on the 
4th pitch. Now on the 3d. Now on the 2d. Now on the 1st. 
Now on the 5th. Now on the 6th. Now on the 7th. Now on 
the 8th. Now on the 9th. Now begin on the middle and 
run down. Now begin on the 1st and run up. Practice 



70 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

fifteen minutes at a time. Note — Do not make haste. Prac- 
tice carefully for a week. Never forget the throat position. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 37.— Stand or sit. Hold the head still. Let the eyes 
follow a line on the wall moulding, or imaginary line. Turn 
the eyes in the head to the right ; now to the left ; following 
every portion of the line. Do not let the eye-ball jerk nor 
miss a spot. The eyes will move smoothly, and the line will 
seem to flow like a gentle stream steadily on. Repeat twenty- 
five times. 

Ex. 38. — Sit or stand still. Fix the eyes upon a spot across 
the room or a few feet distant. Do not wink for ten seconds. 
You may count mentally or look at the second hand of a 
watch. Increase ten seconds a day for a w r eek. Repeat 
several times a day, and keep the mind on the lids. See that 
they do not move. 

Part V— The Mentality. 

Ex. 39. Concentration. — Continue Ex. 13 with two triangles 
drawn in the circle, one with the base down, the other with 
the base up. Now follow as in Ex. 26 for a week, increasing 
the time to thirty seconds. 

Ex. 40. Memory. — Practice as in Ex. 27 five days in the 
week. Make your own selections, increasing from simple to 
difficult. Keep this and Ex. 15 up as long as you wish to 
keep your memory in good working order. 

Ex. 41. — As you go by a window, see what you can, and re- 
member the articles and their positions. You can develop 
this power to a wonderful degree through the eye. You are 
developing not only memory but recollection. Recollection is 
the faculty of placing events or objects in their proper relation 
or order in which they occurred. Begin to associate numbers, 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 7 1 

names and dates with something, it may be quite dissimilar. 
For instance, America discovered 1492 ; gas was used for 
lighting in Cornwall, England, 1792 ; ruling machines in- 
vented by the Dutch 1792 ; in 1776 American Independence ; 
in 1876 telephone invented by Graham, etc. Again : What 
is your name? ''John Short." John Short, John Short; 
short John, not long John, but short John. John Short. 
Now I've got it. Or again, Cyrus Temple. Associate Cyrus 
the Great and Solomon's Temple. The thing associated may 
come to the mind and that will suggest the thing itself. 

Ex. 42. Imagination. — Imagine yourself in a storm at sea. 
Describe the scene and effects upon you. Imagine yourself 
on a mountain top. Describe the landscape and sights. Take 
a picture. Go to the scene, describe it in exact keeping with 
the picture. In imagination go down in a mine. Describe 
your sensations and the mine. Go down in the sea. Describe 
everything. Imagine yourself in mid-air. Describe your sen- 
sations and scene. Continue several times a week Ex. 28. 
Make your own selections. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Bathing. — Do not take hot baths. Hot baths are good in 
special cases. A hot bath will break up night sweats when 
medicine will fail, but do not use hot baths except as above, 
as the system is weakened thereby. Vast quantities of vital 
force is lost through the relaxation of the nerve fibres. The 
water may be the temperature of the blood. Cool off with the 
spray or plunge. Do not wipe perfectly dry. This is contrary 
to a common idea. Clothe yourself at once to avoid chilling. 
If you have not a robust constitution do not take the sponge 
bath in the morning. The sudden shock in the morning is 
too much for many. (Observe directions in formula 6.) 
"Cleanliness is next to Godliness." Keep your body clean 
if you would not offend by sending out poisonous vibrations 



*]2 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

through offensive odors. Keep the teeth clean. Wash the 
mouth out every night with salt, and do not rinse all out. 
This will preserve the teeth. Use the teeth vigorously in 
chewing, press them tightly together. This w T ill keep them 
healthy. Gently dry the face by pressing, not by rubbing, if 
you would avoid irritating the skin, and so preserve its vel- 
vety smoothness. Dash cold water on the throat in the morn- 
ing, and beat the throat with the hand. This hardens it. 
Beating the entire body with the hand or strap is excellent. 
Brush the body vigorously daily with a coarse brush. The 
California Indian who lived to be about one hundred and 
thirty years old scraped his body daily w r ith a stick. Avoid 
cooling off by sitting in drafts after perspiring. 

Part VII— Moral Regime. 

Honor. — Be honorable in your life and dealings. Let your 
word be as good as your bond. Be above suspicion, and be 
not suspicious. Be worthy of the confidence of the most inno- 
cent or weak. Betray no trust. Give everyone a fair chance 
with yourself in competition. Cultivate a sense of what is 
right as a high standard of conduct. Protect the weak and 
the virtuous, and inspire virtue where it is not. Such a char- 
acter will radiate vibrations which w T ill grow more and more 
intense as life continues, building life for others and perpetuat- 
ing its own. A dishonorable act destroys rapidly both an- 
other and one's self by reflex action. Intense vibrations 
proceed from strong characters. An honorable person is a 
strong person. Dishonorable, dishonest, unworthy persons 
xnay be strong to destroy, but soon or late they will become 
victims to the vicious creations of their own lives, and ab- 
sorbed by them in eternal death. 

{End of Third Lesson.) 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 73 



FOURTH LESSON. 

" The truest wisdom is a resolute determination."'— Napoleon. 
" Nothing is impossible to the man who can will." — Mirabeau. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 43. — Exhale all the breath. Now by an effort of the 
mind drop out the abdomen. Note — Do not take in any 
breath as you do this. Repeat seven times. 

Ex. 44. — Take a full breath. Hold it for five seconds. Re- 
peat ; hold ten seconds. Hold fifteen seconds. Add five sec- 
onds a day for a week. 

Ex. 45. — Exhale completely, and continue as in Ex. 44. 

Ex. 46.— Exhale to utmost. Now contract the chest by de- 
pression. Now expand chest to the fullest. 

Ex. 47. — By a sudden movement force all the breath out of 
the lungs through the mouth. Now suddenly fill the lungs 
through the mouth. Repeat through the nostrils. 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

Div. 1. Ex. 48.— Stand. Take a step in front with right 
leg. Now sway the body back and forth on the toes. Now 
obliquely. Now laterally. Now back. Repeat with left. 
Seven times each position. 

Ex. 49, — Stand. Cross the feet. Raise on toes. Now be- 
gin slow T ly to turn around as on a pivot. As you make tlTe 
complete revolution your feet will be crossed the other way. 
Now return slowly to original position. 

Ex. 50. — Repeat Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and* 6 until you 
have acquired freedom and suppleness of parts. 



74 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

Part HI— The Voice. 

Ex. 5 1 . — Repeat Ex. 36 with the vowel sound Ah, then Oh, 
then Aa, then Ee, then Oo. Note directions. Then in this 
order, Ee, Aa, Ah, Awe, Oh, Oo. Next in this order, Oo, 
Oh, Awe, Ah, Aa, Ee. Now repeat the vowel sounds Ih, Eh, 
I, Er, Uh, Oi, Ow. Now repeat with the consonants in this 
order, I,, M, N, R, W, Y. Next, B, D, G, J, V, Z. Next H, 
F, K, P, S, T. Join them with all the vowels in succession. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 52. — Stand or sit. Let the eye follow obliquely an 
imaginary line, as would be made with a large V. Note — Pre- 
vious directions, and keep head still. Repeat twenty times. 

Ex. 53. — Repeat Ex. 38. Increase ten seconds a day up to 
120. 

Part V— The Mentality. 

Ex. 54. Concentration. —Continue Ex. 39. Now draft 
five points on the outside of the circle. This will make a 
five-pointed star, with the circle and two triangles inside. Color 
the points red, yellow, green, blue and violet. . You have now 
a more complex figure to concentrate on. Now for thirty 
minutes three times a week concentrate until the figure in all 
its lines and colors stands out clearly. 

Ex. 55. Memory. — Continue as in Ex. 41. Have some one 
place opposite your closed eyes several objects, or drawings, 
or colors. Now open the eyes. Take one keen, rapid glance 
and close the eyes. Now recall all that you saw, the posi- 
tions, shapes, etc. With some one to assist you this can be 
made intensely interesting. 

Ex. 56. Imagination. — Continue Ex. 42 and 28, until the 
mind becomes very fertile in picturing scenes. 

Ex. 57. Meditation. — The habit of meditating will not only 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 75 

do much for strengthening the memory and imagination, but 
cultivates greatly the perceptive and reflective faculties. In 
meditation your mind goes back to events in earlier life. You 
naturally trace the causes for such happenings. You follow 
the results. You compare conditions and discover ends. As 
you ponder over scenes and conditions you are led to perceive 
the internal significance of things and doings. You are 
forced to take a broader, more intelligent view of life. You 
forget yourself and your selfishness in the great world about 
you. Go out, view the heavens, the mountains, the ocean, 
the flow T ers, the passing streams of people. Let it be an ob- 
ject or condition or an event, be it small or great — dwell upon 
it, and you will understand it as never before. Your soul 
will unfold and you will come in touch with the universe. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Clothing. — Is it necessary to say anything about what one 
should or should not wear ? Common sense would say, wear 
nothing that is at all injurious to the body, whether it be the 
wearing of too much or too little. Nothing should be worn in 
any way to restrict the free circulation or respiration. The 
clothing should be such as secures an equal temperature of 
the body. It should be as light as possible, and sufficiently 
heavy to protect. It should be adjusted so as not to interfere 
with ease and carriage of body, suspended from the should- 
ers or by waists. Soft flannel should worn next the skin the 
year round. Thick soles, broad heels and wide, comfortable 
shoes. Plenty of room at the waist. The lungs should be 
protected before and behind. Clothing should not be so 
lengthy as to gather up the dust and filth of the streets. 
Good taste selects modest and unobtrusive colors, and avoids the 
extremes of fashion or eccentricities. The throat should never 
be muffled up. Warm head gear should not be worn. Keep the 
head cool and the feet warm. Good taste, neatness and cleanli- 



76 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

ness should characterize all attire and appearance . To be careless, 
slovenly and filthy in clothing or body is a crime against society 
and one's self. To be neat and clean and modest in attire, 
though the material be inexpensive is a great virtue. 

Part VII— rioral Regime. 

Earnestness. —Be earnest in all you undertake. If you go 
about a thing with a half heart you will be sure to fail. Earn- 
estness accompanies sincerity. Sincerity inspires confidence. 
You may go about a thing in the wrong manner, but if you 
are in earnest it often times makes amends for error. Earn- 
estness develops determination and persistence. Is there not 
something you have in view that is honorable and good, some 
end you desire, some work you wish done ? Then dwell and 
dwell upon it until you are filled with an intense, enthusiastic, 
earnest desire to accomplish it. That is the spirit which w r ill 
give you success. That is the spirit which will inspire others 
with a like purpose. The earnest soul is a stanch, resolute 
character. The vibrations sent out from such a center are 
like the oft-repeated blows upon the rock, they gradually force 
their way and accomplish the final end — success. 

Self-Poise. — Be self-poised, centered in yourself. L,ean not 
upon another for strength, for the time will come when you 
will be compelled to depend upon your own self. You have 
all resources at your own command. Utilize your own pow- 
ers and abilities to work out the problems of life, and not de- 
pend on another. If you are a parent, teach your child 
responsibility as early as possible. If a teacher, develop the 
innate powers of the child in independency. Do not be easily 
affected by little things. Remember it is the little things 
which try us. If we cannot bear the small trials how will we 
-endure the greater ? Never sulk. Never fret. Never be irri- 
table. Adapt yourself to all circumstances, and make the 
best of what befalls you. As you rise in the morning consider 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 77 

your mood. Resolve to make the very best use of what the 
day brings. The small experiences are as valuable as the 
great. They are the colored threads. If you pick them up 
carefully and weave them successfully, with good effect, in their 
proper place, they will show out later on as necessary parts of 
the beautiful patterns in your richly colored garment of char- 
acter. The vibrations from these colors will radiate with 
glowing power in your world of creation and exalt you as ita 
diety. 

{End of Fourth Lesson.') 



78 THE SECRET OF LIFE | 



FIFTH LESSON. 

" The tissue of the life to be 
We weave with colors all our own, 
And in the field of destiny 
We reap as we have sown." — Whitti 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 58. — Inhale to the fullest extent. Now exhale just a 
little breath, keeping the rest in the lungs. Now inhale again. 
Repeat seven or ten times. This is breathing on full lungs. 

Ex. 59. — Exhale completely. Inhale a short breath. Now 
exhale, emptying the lungs completely. Repeat seven to ten 
times. This is breathing on empt} r lungs. 

Ex. 60. — While walking inhale breath seven steps, hold 
three steps, exhale seven and hold empty three. Repeat fre- 
quently. 

Ex. 61. — Inhale deeply. See that the shoulders never rise 
when you take deep breaths, well down, chest always full and 
out. Now, as you slowly emit the breath, count aloud up to 
ioo. 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

We will now cease to deal with the movements of the body 
in divisions. We have learned the elementary positions and 
movements, and now proceed to the combinations of these ele- 
mentary movements in exercises for grace and physical cul- 
ture, and new movements for cultivating electro-magnetic 
power. 

Movements in Oppositions.* Ex. 62. — Repeat Ex.48, com- 



*Oppositions mean the harmonious adjustment or balance of one part of the body 
with another, either in attitude or action. In action they are movements of two parts 
of the body towards or away from one another. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 79 

bining with it the arm movements of Ex. 6. As the^body 
sways back the arms come down and in to the body. As the 
body sways out the arms come up and extend out at full 
length. This will produce a very pretty swinging, rythmic 
move. Note — Observe the movement and positions of arms 
given in Ex. 6. 

Ex. 63. — Stand. Right foot front. Now raise right arm as 
in Ex. 6. As the hand begins to turn at the chest to extend 
the arm, slowly at the same time turn the head in an opposite 
direction. Do this w r ith the hand extended first in one direc- 
tion, then in another, until you make the movements in*all the 
attitudes. (See Ex. 20.) Now reverse feet and hands, re- 
peat each move ten times. The oblique position will be one 
of haughtiness. 

Electric Movements. — We now introduce a series of exercises 
for intensifying the electric force of the body. Electricity is 
there in normal degree. (See Sees. 4 and 5, First Study.) By 
direct effort the body may be charged. It then contains elec- 
tricity in great degree or density. After learning the exer- 
cises, one w 7 ill be able in a few seconds to generate much pow T - 
er, sensible to one's self by heat and to others by currents or 
heat. Be careful not to overdo, for it is very easy to generate 
more electricity than you can conduct off. It is like over- 
charging the dynamo, the wires would be burnt out.* After 
generating electric force it would rapidly be lost or scattered 
without understanding how to conserve and utilize it. Hence 
the series of magnetic exercises accompanying, the purpose of 
which is to form a center of conservation. (See Sec. 10, Par. 
2, First Study.) The electrical phenomena in the human 
body are analogous to that alluded to in Sec. 4, Pars. 8 to 15. 
To trace the correspondence would occupy too much space in 
a work of this character. 



*See case of Dr. Hubert's eyes, Part III, Twelfth Study. 



80 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

Ex. 64. — Stand. Direct the mind to the right arm extend- 
ed. Begin to energize it until the arm is rigid. Note — Let 
the hand hang loosely, stopping the flow of energy at the 
wrist. Caution, see that the energy is given, slowly increas- 
ing tighter and tighter until the greatest degree is reached, 
then slowly relax. Let this caution hold good in all energiz- 
ing exercises. Impulsive or spasmodic movements create de- 
structive or inharmonious vibrations. Let the energy come 
and go in long waves. 

Ex. 65. — Repeat Ex. 64, tightening the fist alone. 

Ex. 66. — Combine arm and fist tension until the greatest de- 
gree possible is reached. 

Ex. 67. — Repeat with left hand and arm. 

Ex. 68. — Energize right leg. Now'the foot. Now the leg 
and foot until perfectly rigid. Now repeat with the left. 

Magnetic Movements. — The series of exercises in Magnetic 
Movements are most valuable. They conserve the electric 
force and make it possible to use it aright without loss or in- 
jury. By the practice of these exercises the body is brought 
completely under the domination of the mind. All erratic and 
unnecessary movements of the body and members must be pre- 
vented, for they are all destructive . 

All movements should be made with steady and definite 
progress, slow and smooth, and mostly in curves. The 
energy always proceeds from the center. Vital force is 
thrown off by jerks, sudden starts and sudden stops. All un- 
necessary movements consume vitality, which should be re- 
tained and used according to Sec. 4, Second Study. 

Ex. 69. — Stand. Slowly raise the right arm extended, with 
index finger leading. Bring it up to the horizontal front posi- 
tion. Note — See that the movement and progress is slow and 
steady, without jerks, shaking, wavering or halts. Follow 
the finger with the eye. 

This is the first lesson in direct mind control of the move- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 8 1 

ments. You have now started two processes. One is to 
quiet and subdue the nerves, and the other is to subject the 
body movements to the will, in addition to increasing and 
strengthening your powers of concentration. 

Ex. 70. — Repeat Ex. 69 and slowly return arm to the side, 
Ex. 71. — Repeat Ex. 70 in oblique and lateral positions. 
Now repeat with left hand. Do each move fifteen times. 

Ex. 72. — Repeat Ex. 71 with both hands. Do not make 
haste. 

Part III— The Voice. 

It has been said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the 
mouth speaketh," and "Asa man thinketh, so is he."* The 
law is reflex action. All through our study the desire is that 
the mind shall control ail that is below it, and that in turn the 
mind shall be controlled by the Principle of Life, in order that 
man, the lower, shall die to the false and low and be exalted: 
and live to the true and high — gods in the flesh. The mind 
must dominate and produce in the voice, by control of the or- 
gans of speech, just such properties and qualities necessary to 
form harmonious vibrations. Holding this thought in the 
mind during practice and constantly, the desired change and 
conformation of the muscles will take place. To assist in 
this thought, words embodying the idea will be used in the 
valuable exercise now given. 

Ex. 73. — We will begin with the middle pitch as in Ex. 36, 
and continue the practice in the order there given, 
p. , { I am speaking in an extremely high, clear, pene- 
9' ( trating tone of voice in the ninth pitch, 
o ( I am speaking in a very high, clear, ringing tone 

I of voice in the eighth pitch. 

\ I am speaking in a high, clear, round, rich and 
( full tone of voice in the seventh pitch. 



* Matt. 12-34 ; Prov. 23- 



82 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

I am speaking in quite a high, clear, round, rich 
and full tone of voice in the sixth pitch. 

I am speaking in a mellow, rich, round, subdued 
5" ( and full tone of voice in the middle pitch. 

I I am speaking in quite alow, mellow, rich, round, 
4' ( subdued and full tone of voice in the fourth pitch. 
{ I am speaking in a low, deep, rich, round, sub- 
I dued and full tone of voice in the third pitch. 

I am speaking in a very low, deep, rich, round, 
resonant and full tone of voice in the second pitch. 

!I am speaking in an extremely low, deep, rich, 
round, full, sonorous and reverberating tone of 
voice in the first pitch. 
An extra high pitch. I am high up and clear in tone. 
— Boat ahoy ! 

An extra low pitch. I am very low down and deep in tone. 
— Swear ! 



2. 



Let these be practiced in one breath each. Put your ac- 
quired deep breathing now into practice. Speak each one 
loudly, prolonging the tone of the last word until it dies away. 
Then repeat very softly. Let the words be pronounced in the 
pitch in which they belong. Keep the thought embodied in 
the words directed to the throat, with full position of organs 
according to directions. Listen carefully to your tones. 
Practice daily. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 74. — Fix the eyes upon a spot. Keep them there while 
you slowly turn the head in a circle, first one way, now the 
other, ten times. 

Ex. 75. — Keeping the head still, turn the eyes slowly, 
smoothly and steadily, following a large imaginary circle, fif- 
teen times. 

Ex, 76. — Repeat Ex. 53. Increase ten seconds a day up to 
180. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 83 

Part V— The flentaiity. 

Ex. 77. Concentration. — Continue sitting thirty minutes for 
three days in the week. This week take the photograph of 
some one, yourself or friend, some one you know or knew. 

Memory, Imagination and Meditation. — Continue according to 
directions. After the habit has once been formed, the faculties 
been stimulated, the work of unfolding will go on uncon- 
sciously. 

Ex. 78. Language. — In your exercises in vocabulary, memory 
and imagination speak aloud, that you may get the benefit of 
hearing the thoughts as well as forming them. Always when 
practicable clothe your thoughts with bodily form. Exercises 
in English translation or substitution will do very much in 
cultivating language. The great value in the study of foreign 
language is in the exercise of translating. We will pursue the 
same plan in English. Take the following : " Truth crushed 
to earth shall rise again." The idea is to change every w T ord 
possible by substituting a word meaning nearly or quite the 
same, yet not altering the sense. The skeleton would be : 

Truth to shall . The change would be: 

Truth trampled to the ground shall ascend once more. Of 
course the exact sense or beauty of the form may not be pre- 
served. That is not the idea. The idea before us is to cultivate 
language. Once more : 

11 'Tis the divinity that stirs within us ; 

'Tis Heaven itself that points out an hereafter, 

And intimates eternity to man. 

Eternity! thou pleasing, dreadful thought." 

Translated : 

It is the divine life which moves in us ; 
It is God alone who indicates a life to come, 
And suggests unending age to mortals. 
Everlasting life ! thou delightful, fearful conception ! 

Note — At first write out your skeletons from selections. 
Take your book of synonyms and fill in. Next read your 
selections, and with the synonyms change as you go. Re- 



84 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

peat this exercise with good and lengthy selections five days 
in the week. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Sleep. — Sleep, "that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care/' 
should be well guarded. Between nine and twelve at night 
are the hours for magnetic sleep. Retire early and rise early 
if you would accomplish great w 7 ork in life. This will also 
overcome insomnia. An hour in the afternoon is most valu- 
able for preserving your freshness and youthfulness and en- 
durance. Do not oversleep. This is bad, as it stupifies the 
senses and deadens the vital forces. Some can do with four 
hours sleep, others require eight. Study your needs and do 
not violate nature's laws, or soon or late you will pay the pen- 
alty with wrinkles, haggard face and premature old age. 
During sleep the body is passive and likewise the mind. The 
psychic intelligences have power to influence you while in 
that passive state. If you would protect yourself from evil 
thoughts, dreams or influences, let the last thoughts before 
falling to sleep be a withdrawal into the "holy of holies'' 
within your own being, in conscious touch with the Father, 
the secret source of power, life, strength and intelligence, the 
Principle of Life, God within. Hold the idea of rejecting all 
that is harmful or unworthy. Call to your side the highest 
and loftiest being, your ideal. This will make your sleep 
sweet and refreshing, your soul purposes strong and exalted, 
and your life beautiful and pure and useful. 

Part VII— Moral Regime. 

Reliability. — To be reliable is a great virtue. Weigh well 
your actions. Make no hasty promises. If }^ou make a 
promise keep it as you w T ould your life. Be thorough in your 
w r ork. Remember your honor is at stake when you make a 
promise or undertake an obligation. Be prompt in your en- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 85 

gagements. Be conscientious in all your duties, and let true 
nobility of soul characterize your life. Such a life will be 
truly constructive and leave a powerful influence for good. 

Dignity. — Be dignified in your conduct. Not austere, nor 
gloomy, but serious enough to let people know you are living 
for a purpose. Do not follow fads in dress, amusements or 
diversions. The masses go down, the few go up. The great 
public rushes hither and thither, seeking in every shallow way 
to satisfy the great unrest of the soul. The wise, dignified 
one estimates well the value of that which engages the passing 
fancy, and so satisfies the craving of the heart with more en- 
during things. Avoid practical joking. The victim is never 
benefited by it, and great evils sometimes result from such 
practice. Never descend to low humor. It is vulgar and 
base. There is no excuse for profanity, and slang is an 
abomination to the refined taste. Never be flippant, trifling, 
thoughtless or frivolous in your speech and actions, if you 
would save yourself many vain regrets. 

{End of Fifth Lesson.) 



86 THE SECRET OF LIFE 



SIXTH LESSON. 

" There is not an hour of youth but that is trembling with destinies."— Buskin. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 79. — Take a full breath, count aloud rapidly up to 300. 

Ex. 80. — Repeat Ex. 79, but this time whisper distinctly up 
to 30. 

Ex. 81. — Inhale deeply. Now hold the breath while you tap 
the body and chest lightly with the ends of the fingers as 
hammers. 

Ex. 82.— Inhale deeply. Hold the breath while you stretch 
the chest in all directions. 

Ex. 83.— Repeat Ex. 29. Repeat Ex. 18. 

Part II — riovements of the Body. 

Ex. 84. 0pp. Mov.— Stand as in Ex. 63. Let the hand turn 
until the palm faces outward in the move. The head turns 
away. This indicates repulsion. 

Ex. 85. — Raise both hands as in Ex. 6. Now as the hands 
begin to turn outward, palms up, the head goes back. The 
movements are simultaneous. The position is that of en- 
treaty, w 7 ith the head thrown back and the arms fully 
extended. Repeat often. 

Ex. 86. — Extend the arm in front, now let it rise and fall 
like the graceful, sweeping movement of a bird's wing. Re- 
peat with both arms in all positions. This is called the 
feather movement. Practice daily. 

Ex. 87. Elect. Mov.— Stand. Direct the mind to the 
abdomen, make rigid by contracting the muscles. 

Ex. 88. — Direct the mind to the back. Make rigid. 

Ex. 89. — Direct the mind to the inner walls of the chest and 
make tense. This is the great center of electric energy. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 87 

Ex. 90. — Direct the mind to the outer chest and make the 
muscles rigid. 

Ex. 91. — Drop the head. Raise it ; as you do so make the 
muscles of the throat very rigid. 

Ex. 92. — Make the muscles of the head rigid without twist- 
ing the face. 

Ex. 93. — Repeat Ex. 64, 65, 66, 67, with both hands. 

Ex. 94. Mag. Mgv. — Repeat Ex. 69, 70, 71, 72. Now raise 
the arm from the side to above the head. Follow directions^ 
Repeat obliquely and laterally. Now with other arm. 

Ex, 95. — Repeat Ex. 94 with both arms. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Ex. 96. — Repeat each day Ex. 73 and Ex. 51. 

Ex. 97. — Repeat the vowel awe with the glottis stroke. The 
glottis stroke is a sharp, quick, short tone produced in the 
throat by a sudden movement of the glottis lips or vocal cords 
of the larynx, and by a sudden contraction of the abdomen. 
Repeat fifty times. Note — See that the tone is clear, sharp 
and short. 

Ex. 98. — Repeat the glottis stroke with all the vowels given 
in Ex. 51. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 99. — Repeat Ex. 12, 25, 37, 52, 74 and 75. 

Ex. 100. — Repeat Ex. 76. Increase ten seconds a day up 
to 240. 

Ex. 101. — Fix the eyes upon an object and frow r n. Hold 
for one minute. 

Ex. 102. — Open the eyelids wide, with eyes fixed on a spot 
for one minute. 

Ex. 103. — Raise the arm with finger pointed to a spot for 
one minute, eyelids and finger dead still as well as the body. 



88 THE SECRET OF LIFE " 

Part V— The mentality. 

Ex, 104. Concentration. — Sit thirty minutes as before. This 
week with good drawings of the eye, the ear and the brain, 
complete and sectional, devote one sitting of fifteen minutes to 
each for three days. Note — Study well the construction and 
functions of each organ before concentration. 

Ex. 105. Language.— In the last lesson we studied transla- 
tion to assist in the cultivation of language. In this lesson 
we have a still more difficult exercise, viz : Paraphrasing. 
This means the setting forth in your own words the thought 
of the original, be it w 7 ord, text, passage or selection. To 
illustrate : 

11 The quality of mercy is not strained, 
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 
Upon the place beneath. It is twice bless'd ; 
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. 
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest ; it becomes 
The throned monarch better than his crown. 
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, 
The attribute to awe and majesty, 
Wherein doth sit the fear and dread of kings. 
But mercy is above this sceptred sway." 

Paraphrase : 

There is nothing constrained in mercy, 

It cometh down like the soft falling rain from the sky, 

Dropping upon the earth below. It gives two blessings ; 

It blesses the one who bestows, and the onewho receives, 

It is greatest in the noblest, and adorns 

The king much more than his diadem. 

The monarch's sceptre symbolizes earthly power, 

The quality which doth pertain to majesty, 

And inspires in the subjects of the king fear and terror. 

But mercy is greater than sceptred rule. 

The one illustration will suffice. Preserve the sense and 
give it in your choicest language. If you are acquiring a vo- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 89 

cabulary you will soon be able to paraphrase freely. Keep it 
up until you can paraphrase at sight. The practice will give 
you versatility of thought and expression. 

Part VI — Regimen, 

H ibits. — First let it be said, the true gentleman or lady will 
never acquire a habit that is distasteful or offensive to an- 
other. And if such habit be already acquired, he or she will 
break it. The wise one will indulge in no habit injurious to 
self. No one should continue in a given course long enough 
to form any habit unless that habit be productive of good. 
Habits formed are the results of continued vibrations. This is 
the secret of creation. The most enduring things are the pro- 
ducts of long continued effort. Let nothing enslave you. Be 
master of all desire. The liquor, tobacco or sensual habits 
will absolutely shut the door to all possible hope of the full 
power or attainment of that which is set forth in this system. 
Keep the body pure, for it too is Divine. Be regular in your 
habits of sleeping and eating. Diversify your life as much as 
possible. Routine work stagnates the forces. The fullness 
of life is diversity. The more diverse your powers, the wider 
your creation. Cultivate all sides of your being. The exer- 
cises given are for the purpose of forming correct habits, to 
enlarge the soul, life and powers and extend your creation. 

Part VII— Moral Regime. 

Ambition. — Be ambitious. Eternal unrest is the law of na- 
ture. The satisfied one draws the limit to his creation and 
sits down to enjoy it. He closes the door to the great possi- 
bilities before him. He stifles the voice of God within, urg- 
ing him on to unending conquests. He limits his happiness, 
which, when he attempts to grasp, it vanishes and leaves him 
in discontent, for his creations or attainments become insipid. 



go THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

Progression is the law of life. When progress ceases, disin- 
tegration sets in, and death follows. There is no place to sit 
down in the wide universe. Be wise in your ambitions. Na- 
poleon sought to conquer the world and died in desolation and 
disappointment on a lonely isle. Alexander thought to es- 
tablish the capital of the world and he its monarch, but died 
like a fool. Do not be dazzled by visions of wealth, fame or 
position. These belong to the physical plane of life and must 
be left behind — the spirit lives on. The enduring things are 
spirit. Be ambitious for a knowledge of these, and happiness 
and contentment will be yours. This is laying up " treasure 
in heaven." Do not be bigoted, narrow and superstitious or 
too credulous. Think for yourself. Do not let another do 
your thinking. ' ' All things are yours ' ' if you will to have 
them. 

{End of Sixth Lesson.) 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 91 



SEVENTH LESSON. 

" Nor deem the irrevocable past 
As wholly wasted, wholly vain, 
If, rising on its recks, at last 
To something nobler we attain." — Longfellow. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 106.— Take a full breath. Hold it. Now raise the 
chest by drawing in the abdomen. Repeat seven times. 

Ex. 107. — Take a full breath. Now rise up and down on 
the toes, each time taking in more breath until packed. Re- 
peat seven times. 

Ex. 108. — Full breath. Hold. Now raise the arms up and 
down in all directions, still taking in more breath. Repeat. 

Ex. 109.— Full breath. Hold. Now swing the arms in all 
directions. Do not strain. 

Part II — novements of the Body. 

Ex. 110. Opp, Mov. Mohammedan Prayer. — Kneel, elevate 
the head and hands as in aspirational prayer. Place the hands 
together in front. Now separate them backward gracefully as 
the head bows to the floor. Return head and hands. Again 
repeat several times. 

Ex. 111. — Stand. Raise right arm straight up. Now throw 
head back, at the same time let the forearm fall lightly upon 
the head. Repeat with left. 

Ex. 112. — Repeat Ex. in. Now bend the body over to the 
left. Repeat with left arm. Stretch the sides well. 

Ex. 113. Elec. Mov. — Repeat the tension exercises of the 
parts of the body. Now make tense the entire body. 



92 THE SECRET OF UFE ) 

Ex. 114. — Stand. Raise the arm. As you do so make it 
tense. Let the tension be the greatest as it ceases movement. 
Release as it comes to position. Repeat in all directions, 
from down to zenith. 

Ex. 115. — Repeat Ex. 114 with other arm. Now with both 
arms. 

Ex. 116. Mag. Mov.— Repeat Exs. 94 and 95. Now extend 
the right arm laterally, and slowly bring it in a circle until the 
finger comes to a point near the left shoulder. Now move out 
again. Repeat ten times. Repeat with left arm. 

Ex. 117. — Repeat Ex. 116, with both arms in all the alti- 
tudes. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Ex. 118. — Repeat Ex. 98 thousands of times until you have 
acquired a perfect glottis stroke. It is a magnificent exercise 
for clearing the throat and voice. 

Ex. 119. — Count in a clear, sharp whisper up to twenty. 

Ex. 120. — Count aloud in a clear voice up to 100. Place 
the back of the hand near the mouth and see that no breath 
escapes. Vocalize it all. This is important if you would not 
waste your energy. 

Ex. 121. — Read, and watch the breath as in Ex. 120. See 
that every syllable is clearly formed and enunciated. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 122. — Direct the energy to the eyes. See that the 
muscles of the face do not move. Let the energy come and 
go in waves according to previous directions. If properly 
done the pupil will dilate and contract. 

Ex. 123. — Take a long step front, as you do so raise the 
arm and with finger point to a spot one minute. Repeat with 
other arm. Body and eyes dead still. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 93 

Part V— The Mentality. 

Ex. 1 24. Concentration. — Sit this week with drawings of the 
lungs, liver and heart. Observe directions in Ex. 104. 

Ex. 125. Calmness, Passivity.— Sit in a quiet place. Thor- 
oughly relax every muscle and fibre of the body. Compose 
the mind and let it play idly with any object near and then 
allow it to fall into vacancy. Do this fifteen minutes or long- 
er each day. It will have a wonderful quieting and recupera- 
tive effect upon both body and mind.* This is in contrast to 
the energizing, concentration and activity. This habit well 
formed will enable you at any time to calm yourself when dis- 
turbed from any cause, and by the gentle, quieting vibrations 
to throw oil upon the troubled waters of another's passions or 
troubles. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

The Eyes. — Never strain the eyes. The eyes will endure a 
great deal of abuse, but there is a limit to all endurance. Do 
not read w r hile lying down, or in trains or boats, except by 
glimpses, as in committing to memory. Do not read facing the 
light. Read little by gas or electric light. Lamp light is better. 
Do not read in the twilight. Do not strain the eyes by look- 
ing long and fixedly at an object far or very near. Preserve 
the convex shape of the eyes by pinching them out. To do 
this place the thumb and finger at the outside corners of both 
eyes and press the eyes in. Do this daily. Do not flatten the 
eyes by pressing upon the balls. Gentle massage around the 
eyes will do very much to preserve their healthfulness and 
strength. 

The Ears. — Let the ears alone. Keep them clean, but do 
not be digging into them. The accumulations of wax can be 



* Read the caution in " Retaining the Vital Forces by Retreat.' 



94 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

removed by softening with a little oil and afterwards washed 
out by suds. Do not put plugs in the ears. The ear is a very 
delicate organ, the less you meddle with it the better. Keep 
the system in excellent tone and the ears will give no trouble. 

Part VII- floral Regime. 

Politeness. — No one is insensible to politeness. A potent 
example to the young. Attractive to old and young. Polite- 
ness will win you friends. Be ever gracious, affable and court- 
eous to the beggar as well as to the exalted in station. You 
can never afford to be impolite in speech or action on any oc- 
casion. No matter how pressed your business or duties, you 
ought to be sufficiently poised to greet or dismiss with a 
smile, a nod or a pleasant word. A smile costs nothing. It 
may deepen a wrinkle, but what of that, if you have sent a 
ray of sun shine into some heart ? Life is full of sorrow . Carry 
in your face, brightness. Be considerate of the poor, the suf- 
fering, the unfortunate. True politeness is unselfish. It con- 
siders the feelings of others. It says, acts and does to please 
another. 

(End of Seventh Lesson.) 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 95 

EIGHTH LESSON. 

" It is defeat that turns bone to flint and makes men invincible."— Beecher. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 126. — Take a full breath. Hold. Now repeat Ex. 9, 
taking in more breath constantly. 

Ex. 127.— Take full breath. Hold. Repeat Ex. 8. Repeat 
with Ex. 22 and 34. 

Ex. 1 28. — Full breath. Hold. Now twist the body around. 

Ex. 129.— Creative Breathing.— Stand. Inhale slowly seven 
seconds, at the same time raise the arms to the zenith, as in 
aspiration. Now hold four seconds. Now exhale seven, slow- 
ly dropping the arms. Hold empty four, arms down. Re- 
peat. Hold in your mind the thought of the indrawing of 
energy, power and life from the Creator and sending it out 
in your world of creation. Repeat daily. Count slowly for 
seconds. 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

Ex. 1 30. 0pp. Mov.— Advance quickly the left leg and right 
arm. Repeat with the right leg and left arm. Repeat. 

Ex. 131. — Kneel gracefully as you raise both arms above the 
head, as in Ex. no. Now rise and let the arms sink upon the 
breast as the head drops. Repeat several times. Reverse 
knees. 

Ex. 132. — Kneel ; as you do so raise both hands to cover the 
face as it is lowered. Now rise ; as you do so let the hands 
drop to the side and raise the head. Repeat with other knee. 

Ex, 133. Elec. Mov. — Repeat movements of Ex. 5 with 
tense legs. 



96 THE SECRET OF UFE ; 

Ex. 134. — Repeat movement of Ex. 114, stopping the 
energy at the wrists. 

Ex. 135. — Repeat Ex. 134 with both arms in all directions. 

Ex.136. Mag. Mov. — Stand. Raise right arm. Start 
slowly, increase in speed until half way up, then decrease in 
speed until the horizontal front is reached. Return arm to 
place. Repeat fifteen times. Repeat with left arm. The 
movement is a swell and diminish in speed. Note — Do this 
carefully, with perfect control and regulation. 

Ex. 137. — Repeat Ex. 136, with each arm in the oblique. 
Now lateral. Repeat with both arms. 

Ex. 138. — Repeat Ex. 136 and 137, raising the arm from 
down to zenith. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Ex. 139. — Practice with the vowel awe, sliding upward from 
pitch 1 to pitch 2. Then from 1 to 3. Now from 1 to 4. 
From 1 to 5. From 1 to 6. From 1 to 7. From 1 to 8. From 
1 to 9. Now reverse, from 9 to 8, etc. Now ascend again 
from 1 to 2 and back, rising and falling up and down. Again 
reverse, beginning with 9 to 8 and continue down and up. 
Do not forget the daily practice of Ex. 73 and Ex. 121. 
Note — Eet there be no breaks in the slides. Do all evenly and 
smoothly. See Chart II, long and short slides. 

Ex. 140. — Practice Ex. 139 in all the vowels. 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Ex. 141. — Repeat daily from now on, Ex. 122. Repeat Ex. 
100. Increase ten seconds a day up to 300. Repeat this daily 
from now on. 

Ex. 142. — Repeat Ex. 85. Now keep the position with eyes 
fixed and body dead still for one minute. 

Ex. 143. — Repeat Ex. 142 with a long stride in front. Now 
oblique. 






OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 97 

Ex. 144. — Kneel, and position as in Ex. no. Now fix eyes 
upon a spot for one minute, dead still. 

We will offer no more exercises for the eye. Many combi- 
nations will suggest themselves to the student. The habits 
now formed will develop very speedily a powerful and mag- 
netic eye. Practice daily, Exs. 141 and 142. 

Part V— The Mentality. 

Ex. 145. Concentration. — Concentrate this week upon the 
stomach, kidneys and viscera of the abdomen. Observe pre- 
vious directions. 

Ex. 146. Concentration in Breathing.— Sit for fifteen minutes 
with the mind concentrated on the solar plexus. Hold this 
thought — perfect illumination of the body. Breathe deeply, 
slowly and quietly. As the sun illumines every corner of the 
earth, so every part of the physical body is illumined by the cor- 
responding sun within. The body is dense and dark as the earth, 
to the physical eye. Like the earth, it is filled with organic 
life. As the planetary system has its sun center, so the 
microcosm has its sun center. Tor every part of the throbbing 
world of life without, there is a corresponding part in the surg- 
ing life within. The illumination of the lower — the physical 
life of man, makes possible the inflow of the spiritual — the divine 
life. Unfolding the potentialities of the spiritual soul, exalts 
the entire being into the inner life, and ushers it into harmo- 
nious relations with and a conscious part and place in the ac- 
tivities of the spiritual universe — the real world — the true ex- 
istence. If you cannot grasp this now, some day you will y 
Have faith. 



98 ' THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Study. — Certain foods are necessary to supply the required 
elements for the body. As with the bodily process of absorp- 
tion and assimilation, so with the mental. Read judiciously. 
Read sparingly. It is not what we cram into the brain, but 
what we absorb and assimilate that goes to make up the blood 
and sinew of brain power. The books required are suggestive 
works, works of reference. Do your own thinking. Knowl- 
edge comes from within, not from without. External helps 
can be only helps. Take, the golden key and the wisdom of 
the Orient and Occident is yours. This is the " sesame ' 
that opens all avenues. Read sparingly of light works for 
diversion. Let them be such books as deal with the hidden 
things of life and history. Study may be " a weariness to the 
flesh, " but remember it is impossible to grow into roundness 
and fullness of life or attain to true happiness or soul growth 
without development of the mentality. Do not study in one 
direction alone, but study to know all sides. Be open to con- 
viction. Do not be positive that somebody else does not know 
more than yourself. Have plenty fresh air while confined in 
study. Do not study too long at a time. Avoid heat. If-„ 
necessary to have fire in the room have water on the stove. Dry * 
heat debilitates. Keep the head cool for the best brain work. *~ 
Uvery once and a while* relax the entire body and mind. 
Again, take deep respirations and energize parts. Fullness of 
physical life depends upon abundance of oxygen in large lungs. 
Power and endurance of brain depends upon the vitality of the 
body as fuel. Do not exercise vigorously while mentally 
weary. Rest, relax. Observe Ex. 125. Do not ever violent- 
ly exercise. The exercises in movements of the body and elec- 
tric generation will develop a magnificent physique. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 99 

Part VII— Moral Regime. 

Grace. — Study grace if you would develop an external evi- 
dence of culture. The refined soul should not be awkward 
in the movements of the body. Innate refinement is modest in 
its expression. If grace and freedom of body have not been 
cultivated the soul is shy and diffident before others. It is al- 
ways fearful of making mistakes. It shuts itself up within it- 
self and does not let its powers go out. Lack of culture in 
movements always makes it uncertain how one should conduct 
himself or herself, and so the life becomes cramped and narrow, 
and the soul longs to be free. Acquire grace by the diligent 
practice of the exercises in Part II. The law of reflex action 
will soon open up a new world of power to you. By this study 
the uncultured will become refined in taste ; the unlettered will 
acquire a thirst for knowledge ; and the refined in soul and 
spirit will find a new avenue of expression. Without physical 
grace it is impossible to produce harmonic vibrations through 
movements, and therefore you are dead to that extent or de- 
structive in your actions. 

{End of Eighth Lesson.} 



IOO THE SECRET OF UFE ; 



NINTH LESSON. 

" Victory belongs to the most persevering."— Napoleon. 
'* Failures are but the pillars of success." — Byron. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 147. Rythmic Breathing. — Count mentally four (as four 
seconds) as you inhale. Now hold two, exhale four, hold 
empty two. Resume, this time inhale five, hold two, exhale 
five, empty two. Continue. Inhale as you count six, hold 
three, exhale six, empty three. Now inhale seven, hold three, 
exhale seven, empty three. Now inhale eight, hold four, ex- 
hale eight, empty four. Now nine and four. Now ten and 
five. Repeat daily. 

Ex. 148. Soul Illumination Breathing.— Stand. Raise the 
arms from the sides over the head in a circle as you inhale 
seven seconds, hold three, exhale seven as you bring the 
hands down before the face. Hold empty three. Repeat. 
Keep in your mind the prayer and realization of divine illum- 
ination of soul and life. 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

Ex. 149. — Bend body at the waist (as in Ex. 34) to the right, 
at the same time extend the arms to the left. Let the head be 
turned in the direction of the hands. Now bend to the left, 
arms to the right. 

Ex. 150. Elec. Move. — Repeat Ex. 130, making tense the 
arms and legs. 

Ex. 151. — Extend the right arm in front. Draw it in to the 
chest. As you do so, begin to tighten the fingers and muscles 
slowly until when drawn up tightly to the chest the arm is al- 
most bursting with energy. Repeat three times. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. IOI 

Ex. 152. — Repeat Ex. 151 with the left arm. Now both 
arms. 

Ex. 153. — Repeat Ex. 151, arm extended obliquely, now 
laterally. Repeat with both arms. 

Ex. 154. Mag. Move. — Extend the right arm laterally. Re- 
peat Ex. 116. Now repeat movement with the swell and 
diminish in speed. Reverse. 

Ex. 155. — Repeat Ex. 154 with left arm. Now both arms. 

Ex. 156. — Describe a circle in front of the body, as large as 
possible. Let the movement be slow and steady, flowing 
smoothly on as in Ex. 69. Reverse hands. Now both hands. 

Ex. 157. — Describe a circle as large as possible at the side as 
in Ex. 156. First one hand, then the other. Now both 
hands. Reverse. Now opposite movements with both hands. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Ex. 158. — Produce the tremulo. This is a rapid succession 
of the glottis stroke. Repeat all the vowels in the tremulo in 
the nine pitches. 

Ex. 159. — Repeat Ex. 139 in the tremulo. Now Ex. 140. 

Ex. 160. — Repeat all the vowels, prolonging the tone forty- 
five seconds. 

Ex. 161. — Repeat Ex. 160 in all the pitches. Without and 
with the tremulo. 

Ex. 162. To Color the Voice. — Produce the vowel Aa in the 
middle pitch. The throat will be partially closed, the larynx 
raised and the sound thrown to the teeth. The lips will be 
close together. The tone will be light and bright. Now, 
gradually open the mouth, widen the throat and lower the 
larynx. Direct the mind to the deepening and darkening of 
the tone. The dark tone is the richest. This tone can only 
be produced by the correct position of the vocal organs. (See 
Ex. 24.) Note — L,et the ear follow the change. Eet the tone 



102 



THE SECRET OF LIFE j 

CHART I. 



Color and Force in Honotones. 

HIGH 





M 

h4 



6 H£AVy 



HCAVY 



SW£LL 




LOW 



Explanation of Chart I. 

The figures and cross lines represent the nine pitches spoken of in 
Ex. 36. At the left side the tone is lightest or brightest. At the right 
side it is darkest. To learn the change or coloring of the tone, observe 
carefully Ex. 162. No. 1 begins with heavy force and continues 
throughout, heavy ; repeat all the vowels sounds in all of the pitches, 
heavy. No. 2 begins heavy and ends soft ; repeat in all the pitches. 
No. 3 begins soft and ends heavy ; repeat in all the pitches. No. 4 
is soft throughout ; repeat in all the pitches. No. 5 is the swell ; 
repeat in all the pitches. No. 6 begins heavy, grows soft and then in- 
creases heavy ; repeat in all the pitches. See that the tones are begun 
and ended in the same pitch and smooth in their progression. Heavy, 
means great degree of force. Soft, means diminished force. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. IO3 

be smooth and even. Prolong the tone fifteen seconds or 
more. See Chart I. 

Ex. 163.— Repeat Ex. 162 with all the vowels. (Chart I 
will explain.) 

Part V— The Mentality. 

Ex. 164. Concentration. — Get good diagrams of the internal 
organs of the body, their parts, relations and connections. 
Study well first, and then concentrate. 

Ex. 165. — Sit in quietness. Concentrate upon the idea of 
perfect health, strength and fullness of life, and that you your- 
self are the embodiment of these. This should be done daily 
until the thought becomes a conscious realization. Concentrate 
fifteen to sixty minutes. 

Ex. 166. Language. — As you listen to conversation or a 
speech or discourse, convert the thoughts into your own lan- 
guage. Again, translate into your own words, by changing the 
words as they are spoken. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Anti-fat. — Excessive flesh becomes a burden, and many would 
be glad to get rid of it. It is an unhealthy condition of nerve 
and muscle and stagnates the active forces of the body. Diet- 
ing often has little effect to reduce the fat. Cultivate a normal 
appetite and keep it in subjection. Daily practice the breathing 
exercises, especially Exs. 1, 29, 58, 59, 106 and 185. Also the 
drop movement, viz : Expel the breath completely. Now, 
without taking more breath, drop out the abdomen. Repeat 
frequently (Ex. 43). Now practice all the electric exercises, 
and we guarantee that in a short time you will get rid of the 
excessive fat and prevent its return. 



104 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

Part VII— rioral Regime. 

Activity. — If you would live and be happy, be active. Each 
moment is golden and fraught with opportunity. There is a 
time for everything — a time for rest, for relaxation ; but that 
is only another form of activity, for the forces are returning, 
concentrating, accumulating, ready for a new going forth. 
Every state of the body, mind and soul, whether active or pas- 
sive, should have a definite end. That end should be — activity 
in the wisest creation. This thought should never be lost sight 
of for a single moment, whether in work, rest, sleep or diver- 
sion. Vibrations constantly come and go. We receive them 
and send them forth. In rest, sleep and diversion we receive 
vibrations from the universe. They restore, replace, rebuild 
what we have given forth. In concentration we intensify the 
energy, and in positive activity we transmit the impulse on the 
bosom of the vibrations to the object we create. 

The vibrations we receive are the ones we are the most sus- 
ceptible to. They strengthen in the direction of the character 
we are building. Our character, then, determines the nature 
of the activity and its results. Our creations will be in keep- 
ing with our characters, be they good or bad, honorable or un- 
worthy, true or false, pure or base, strong or weak. From this 
law there is no escape forevermore. 

{End of Ninth Lesson.) 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. IO5 



TENTH LESSON. 

11 Every one is the son of his own works." — Cervantes. 

11 Men are at some time masters of their fate." — Shakespeare. 

Part I — Breathing. 

Ex. 167. Blood Control in Breathing. — Stand. Raise the arms 
over the head, at the same time inhale, five counts. Hold one. 
Now let arms fall as you exhale five. Hold empty one. Re- 
peat seven times. Take in and expel the breath vigorously, 
keeping the mind upon the blood, driving it from the head to 
the extremities. 

Ex. 168. Breath Packing. — Inhale by little sniffs as you raise 
the arms laterally, very slowly. Pack the lungs to the ut- 
most. Exhale in one long, gentle breath. Hold in the mind 
the thought of inhaling the rich odors and perfumes of the un- 
seen world. 

Part II — flovements of the Body. 

Ex. 169. Elec. Move. —Repeat Ex. 151. Now extend the 
arm overhead and pull down. Now down and pull up. Re- 
peat in oblique and lateral. Repeat with both arms. 

Ex. 170. — Stand. Brace yourself. Push out with the right 
arm, palm out, fingers pointing upward. Push with all the 
energy of your body. Repeat with the left. Now obliquely. 
Now laterally. Now down. Now overhead. Repeat with 
both arms. 

Ex. 171. — Repeat Ex. 170 with the fists clenched tightly. 

Ex. 172. — Stand. Bend to the right as far as possible. 
Clench the fists. Raise in imagination a ton of weight with 
the right hand, at the same time press down a ton with the left 
as you straighten up and bend over to the left. 



106 THE SECRET OF EIFE ; 

Ex. 173. — Stoop down in front. Clench the fists. Grasp a 
ton weight and raise it up to the chest. Now put it up over the 
head. Repeat, bending backwards. 

Ex. 174. Mag. Move.— Repeat Ex. 156, beginning slowly, in- 
creasing with great rapidity in the center and then stopping 
slowly. Now repeat Ex. 157. Let one circle be begun as 
quickly as the other is completed, until the arm revolves re 
peatedly with lightning speed. Reverse arms. 

Electro-Magnetic Movements. — These are a combination of the 
two moves as already practiced. Acquiring skill and accuracy 
in these movements will enable one to generate rapidly great 
density of electro-magnetic force in the bod}^. This according 
to the principle involved, as set forth in Par. 4, Sec. 6, First 
Study. 

Ex. 175. — Raise the arm as in Ex. 69. Make the swell and 
diminish in tenseness, that is, gradually increase the tension 
and then diminish as the arm comes to a gentle stop. Repeat 
the movements as given in Exs. 69, 70, 71, 72, 94 and 95. 

The Touch. — Grace in movement will manifest itself in light- 
ness and gentleness of touch. The subtle electro-magnetic 
movements with the soft, gentle touch are very soothing and 
quieting to the nerves and soon remove pain and induce sleep. 
By such touch constructive vibrations are set up. Inharmony 
in the mind and body is overcome and the rebuilding process 
begins. 

Ex. 176. — Approach a table. Gracefully drop the finger tips 
upon it. Repeat many times. Note — L,et there be no trem- 
bling or hesitancy as the fingers descend. 

Ex. 177. — Place a number of articles upon a table. Cards or 
anything. Gently touch each one in succession, making a 
curve with the hand each time. Do this with one finger after 
another, and with each hand many times. 

Ex. 178. — Delicately stroke any object, first with one hand, 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 107 

then the other, making long, gentle strokes in curves. Let the 
fingers barely touch. Reverse. Repeat with both hands. Do 
this repeatedly. 

Part III— The Voice. 

Ex. 179. — Repeat Ex. 162 with all the vowels and in all the 
pitches. 

Ex. 180. — Repeat Exs. 139 and 140. Now combine Ex. 162 
with these, beginning light and ending dark. Now begin dark 
and end light. Observe well the directions for acquiring this 
coloring, as given in Ex. 162. It may take a long time to ac- 
quire it, but persistence will be rewarded. When you are thus 
able to modulate and color, the voice, you will possess much 
power in expression of mental pictures through the voice. 
Full explanation in Chart II. These two charts are very com- 
plete. They express every color, pitch, modulation and tone 
of which the human voice is capable. 

Ex. 181. — Repeat the vowel sounds, Ee, Aa, Ah, Awe, Oh, 
Oo, beginning with the lips nearly closed, widening out until 
the mouth is wide open at Awe, then contracting to a round 
aperture at Oo. Now make one continuous sound, running the 
vowels together. Now reverse, from Oo to Ee. 

Ex. 182.— Repeat Ex. 181. This time with the mouth wide 
open. Place your three fingers between the teeth. Do not let 
the lips move. Make the vowel sounds with the throat. This 
is a valuable exercise. Practice it long. 

Part V— The Mentality. 

Ex. 183. Concentration.— Study the bone structure of the 
body. Concentrate upon the diagram. Then upon your own 
structure. Next study the diagram of the arterial system. 
Concentrate. Next the venous system. Concentrate. The 



io8 



THE SECRET OF LIFE ) 

CHART II. 

Color and Force in Slides. 

HIGH 



' 


I 




1 I 






I 






II 




n 

k 


Si 


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LOW 

Explanation of Chart II. 

[ The figures and cross lines represent the nine pitches. 
f The letters, the various kinds of tones sliding from pitch i to pitch 9 
or intermediate pitches. A— is horseshoe or hairpin slides, short or 
long, in either the dark or light tones. B— is the dark tone, heavy 
throughout. C— is the dark tone, soft throughout. D— is the light 
tone, heavy throughout. E— is the light tone, soft throughout. F— 
is the light tone, beginning heavv and ending soft. G— is the light 
tone, beginning soft and ending heavv. H— is the dark tone, beginning 
heavy and ending soft. I— is the dark tone, beginning soft and ending 
heavy. J— is the light swell. K— is the dark swell. E— begins heavy 
grows soft and ends heavy, both dark and light. M— is an exceedingly 
thin tone light or dark. Note— Do not aspirate thin or soft tones. As- 
pirating means to give forth breath without vocalizing it. All of the 
slides can be repeated, beginning either dark or light and ending light 
or dark. & 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. IO9 

concentration should be from a half to an hour, three to five 
days in the week. 

Ex. 184. Concentration in Hearing. — Strike a key of a piano. 
Follow the tone with the ear as long as possible, then continue 
to follow with the mind, awakening in thought the internal 
hearing. The tones may be followed from the lowest note to 
the highest. Begin with the eyes closed, for a while at least. 
Let there be nothing to distract. Keep the mind upon the 
sound. A good bell or triangle will answer. Keep in mind, 
as the tone dies away, the thought of retreating within, forget- 
ting the body and using the sense of hearing in the soul world,, 
the internal world. 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Dyspepsia. — Who is free from this wicked disturber of health 
and peace ? Yet he has been invited to come in and dwell ; by 
opening wide the door, transgression of the laws of health. The 
digestive organs have been abused in countless ways until all 
manner of evils have resulted. Now to correct — Observe well, 
Regimen, First Lesson. Practice daily the exercises in concen- 
tration, 145, 164 and 165. "As a man thinketh so is he." 
Practice daily the anti-dyspeptic exercise given here. 

For external aids use : ist — The wet girdle worn around the 
body all night. This is arranged by wringing out, in either 
hot or cold water, a large cloth. Fold it and cover with heavy 
dry folds. This is often of great value in internal pains or dis- 
orders. 

2nd — A teaspoonful of dry mustard seed swallowed whole 
before meals. It acts as a stimulant and cleanses. We knew 
a gentleman some years ago who cured himself, when everything 
else failed, by taking a teaspoonful of dry sand for three morn- 
ings, omitting three, and repeating until nine doses had been 
taken. 



IIO THE SECRET OF EIFE J 

3rd — Drink a half glass of bran mixed with milk or water, in 
the morning. 

4th — Make bran cakes or gems mixed with some flour, for 
breakfast. They are very sweet and tasty. 

5th — Mushes are not good for some. Use solid foods and 
chew well. Boiled whole wheat with cream and sugar is de- 
licious. Chew long. 

6th — Hot water half an hour before breakfast, and no drinks 
at meals. 

7th — Avoid foods cooked in grease or with grease. If you 
must eat grease, take it cold. 

Any one of the above will cure ordinary cases, but will lose 
its effect if the causes are continued. Remove the cause of the 
ill and you will soon be able to get rid of the ill itself. 

Ex. 185. Anti-Dyspeptic Exercise. — Inhale deeply. Extend 
abdomen to the fullest. Now, holding the breath, draw it in, 
at the same time slap it vigorously. Slap over the liver and 
other organs. Also repeat daily Exs. 58, 59, 106 and 127. 

Part VII — Moral Regime. 

Vigilance. — Eternal vigilance should be your watchword. 
Unless you watch, a thousand and one things will come up to 
turn you from your great purpose in life. Did you say, I have 
no great purpose ? Then at once form a purpose, for what is 
the object of life without a purpose ? Complete what you un- 
dertake if worth completing. Be vigilant in observing the rules 
for living. Give attention to the details of duty and work, for 
this is what tells in the great sum. Watch the spare moments, 
make them count. Be careful to do yourself no harm in any 
practices, habits or relations in life, and be just as thoughtful 
for another. Rise above temptation to do that which is be- 
neath 3^ou. Exercise ^^"-control.. Be not helplessly in the 
control of another. Cultivate decisiveness in action and char- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. I I I 

acter. Let not failure be your master, but be unceasing in 
your effort to conquer failure. Use tact in all your undertak- 
ings. Be prompt in your execution. Do not for a moment 
give away to envy, excesses or undue excitement. ' ' Under all 
circumstances keep an even mind." Preserve your equilibrium, 
your poise, your center and your independence forever. Upon 
eternal vigilance hangs your destiny. 

[End of Tenth Lesson.) 



112 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 



ELEVENTH LESSON. 

" A great career balked of its end is still a landmark of human energy." Smiles. 

Part I— Breathing. 

Ex. 186. In-breathing. — Stand. Imagine the body and 
limbs hollow. Direct the mind to the toes, right foot. Take 
the breath in through the toes up to the lungs, while you count 
seven. Hold three. Expel through the toes seven. Hold 
empty three. The mind follows the progress of the breath un- 
til it reaches the lungs, and then follows the outgoing breath. 
Repeat left side. Take in at the toes of right foot. Expel, 
left foot. Now at the ankles and repeat. Now at the knees. 
Repeat. Now the hips. Now the fingers. Now elbows. Now 
shoulders. Now top of the head. Now through the pores of 
the skin. Hold the idea of in-breathing of great strength, until 
the body becomes the conscious center of mighty power. 

Ex. 187. Mechanical Breathing. — Inhale. Hold the breath. 
Now contract and expand abdomen, raise and lower chest in 
imitation of breathing. This can be practiced standing or 
lying. 

Part II — riovements of the Body. 

Ex. 188. Elec. Mag, Move. — Raise the right arm as in Ex. 
175. Now make the swell and diminish in speed, at the same 
time tenseness according to Ex. 175. Repeat all the move- 
ments there indicated and as previously practiced. 

Ex. 189. The Touch. — Place twelve collar buttons or other 
objects in a row near the edge of a table. Move the buttons 
along by lifting between the finger and thumb from one end 
and placing at the other end. First with the right hand and 
then with the left. All the fingers in succession. First one 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. II3 

direction and then the other. Now use both hands. First 
simultaneous^, and then in succession. See that the hand 
moves in curves. Never straight lines. If well done this will 
be a pretty movement and will give great lightness, precision of 
touch and grace in motion. 

Ex. 190. — Place a number of glasses or goblets on the table. 
Move them all around in curves, keeping one constantly in the 
air. The movement, if w T ell done, will give the appearance of 
the objects dropping down quietly upon the table in a steady 
stream. 

Part HI— The Voice. 

Ex. 191. — Produce the vowel Awe in the middle pitch. Pro- 
long the tone fifteen seconds. Begin softly and increase the 
volume until you end with the greatest volume and force of 
tone. Keep the same pitch throughout. Now repeat with all 
the vowels. Now with all the vowels in all the pitches. 

Ex. 192. — Repeat Ex. 191, this time beginning with the 
greatest volume and gradually thinning the tone and force. 

Ex. 193. — Repeat Exs. 191 and 192 in both the light and dark 
colors. 

Ex. 194. — Repeat Exs. 191, 192 and 193, combined with Ex. 

139. 

Ex. 195*' — Repeat Ex. 191 with the swell and diminish. Be- 
gin softly and increase in the middle of the tone to the greatest 
volume and force, then diminish. 

Ex. 196, — Repeat Ex. 191, beginning with an explosive, di- 
minishing to soft in the middle and then increasing, ending 
with the greatest force. 

Ex. 197. — Repeat Ex. 193. Now Ex. 194, with the swell and 
diminish. 

Ex. 198. — Produce an explosive tone with B before all the 
vowels, as Bawe, Bee, etc. 

Ex. 199. — Repeat Ex. 197 with all the vowels, in all the 



114 THE SECRET OF UFE ; 

pitches and in all the colors. The charts will aid you. Follow 
them. Note — In the above and all exercises vocalize all the 
breath. Explosive tones are produced by contracting the abdo- 
men, and continued tones by deep breathing. Practice long and 
well. 

Ex. 200. Qualities of Voice. — Thorough practice in all the 
foregoing exercises will have developed much power and ability 
to use the voice in portraying any sentiment. Now take your 
selections. Study them well. The words will convey accu- 
rately the thought. Let the voice preserve the thought as it 
gives it forth in the words. It will rise or fall, sink or swell, 
round out or close up. It will be clear and penetrating or dull 
and labored ; it will roll out in grand, majestic tones or be sup- 
pressed and stifled ; it will be strong or weak ; it will be bright 
or dark. 

We will not stop to consider the technical divisions given by 
systems of voice culture. The true speaker or reader will pro- 
ject the thought or sentiment by accurately clothing it with 
bodily form. Each word and part of a word will have its dis- 
tinct place, and uttered according to its meaning. As the 
words flow forth the voice will be as changeable as the varied 
face of nature. It will be musical, attractive and fascinating in 
its changeability. Its skilled vibrations will create picture 
after picture, passing in panoramic vision before the rapt lis- 
tener. Those pictures, gorgeous in their many colored hues, 
painted by a fertile brain, will stand forth, arrayed by the 
voice, in living, bodily form. 

Part V— The mentality. 

Ex. 201. Concentration. — Concentrate this week upon the 
lymphatic, nervous and muscular systems. Observe all pre- 
vious directions. Concentration upon these various systems of 
the human body will be more or less valueless without a pre- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. II5 

vious stud}- and knowledge of their construction and functions. 
Where close study is given, and knowledge obtained, and pow- 
erful concentration developed, the results are of incalculable 
value, not only to physicians but to any one who would cure 
themselves or heal others. Ac the same time the mind is cul- 
tivating an analytical power, a keen and penetrating insight 
and comprehension and grasp of complex conditions, and an in- 
terior perception of things. 

It is not to be supposed that one can acquire a sufficient mas- 
tery in concentration in a few weeks' time. To cover the 
ground we have laid out, it may require many months of per- 
sistence. The human organism is the most difficult and com- 
plex subject. If we have hurried along too rapidly, take up 
part by part, and continue on each part long and well until 
mastered, and then take the more difficult. Get in conscious 
touch with the functional workings of the various organs and 
systems, and then connect them little by little until you have 
the great whole before you, watching the process of physical 
life in the mind and with the interior eye. 

It is a long study, a deep study, a great study. This method 
of study is the true one. The object is photographed on the 
mind through vibratory influence by concentration. If this be 
well done, it then becomes a conscious part and can be repro- 
duced in every detail. 

Ex. 202. Concentration in Touch.— Sit in silence. Take on 
the ends of your fingers a weight of two or three ounces. Do 
not lose the weight in feeling. Try one hand and then the 
other. 

Ex. 203. — Again, hold a heavy w T eight. Now 7 lift the weight 
by concentrated effort of the mind until the sense cannot feel it. 
Begin with light weights and increase. 



Il6 THE SECRET OF LIFE; 

Part VI — Regimen. 

Miscellaneous. — A word to the wise is sufficient. It will be 
only necessary to call attention to a few things not embodied 
directly hitherto. Indigestion is caused by eating uncooked 
foods. Heat liberates the starch and makes it more digestible. 
Have plenty and pure ventilation night and day. Keep your 
thoughts clean. Promiscuous relations should be avoided as the 
leprosy. Excessive or unnatural indulgence saps the vital life. 
Let your example in all things before children be most ex- 
emplary. Teach boys, and girls in your charge about them- 
selves and what to avoid, and their responsibilities in life. Do 
not place money in the mouth, it is poisonous. Keep yourself 
and clothes sweet and clean that others be not offended. 

Never slam doors. Make no disagreeable noises to afflict 
others. Keep 3^ourself and your effects orderly that you be not 
an eyesore to any one. Avoid loud talking. It is unnecessary 
except to the deaf and the distant. Train children by exam- 
ple, patience, love, firmness and good sense. Avoid rocking 
and all nervous movements. Do not cram yourselves or chil- 
dren with anything, physically or mentally. Take plenty of 
exercise and all the change yo\x can avail yourself of. Never 
eat between meals ; you do not need it. Eat when hungry, 
be it day or night. A bowl of good bread and milk is fine be- 
fore retiring. Never eat when not hungry. Eat slowly and 
chew your food well. Cultivate a natural appetite. 

Take plenty of rest at the proper time and much recreation. 
Live all you can in the sunshine, within and without. Do not 
wipe on everybody's towel. Keep your scalp and hair clean, 
and always dry after washing. Brushing the scalp vigorously 
every day will make hair to grow on bald heads. Use no hair 
dyes, as all are poisonous. Wash your hands, before retiring, in 
cold water. This removes the magnetic influences of others by 
touch. Sleep alone. Do not wrinkle up your forehead and 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 117 

cheeks by squinting the eyes and curling up the face. Your 
body will grow old fast enough. If you would avoid undesira- 
ble conditions and influences (psychic), keep away from their 
neighborhood. 

Enjoy life. Be bright and happy. Laugh much. " A 
merry countenance maketh the heart glad." Never fret nor 
worry. It only makes matters harder to bear. The inharmonic 
vibrations you set up drive the object of your desire further 
away. Carry sunshine in your face. The reflex law will 
make sunshine in the heart, and everybody will feel better and 
be better for having known you. 

Part VII— rioral Regime. 

Love. — The sweetest word in all the vocabulary next to 
mother. Motherhood is next to Godhood. It has been well 
said, " God is love." The true mother is love. Her love is 
the highest type of love. It is the Father's love, unselfish, 
eternal, unchangeable in its devotion. The true mother ever 
forgets herself for the object of her affection. This is the kind 
of love that should fill each soul. A love that forgets itself in 
the needs of others. A love that links the heart with the low- 
liest and the needy ; that manifests itself in kindness, sympa- 
thy and gentleness. A soul filled with such a spirit is not glad 
at the misfortunes of others, no matter how seemingly well de- 
served. It never revenges itself. It patiently endures re- 
proaches, unkindness and insult, for it has a grander and 
nobler work in life than to nurse its pride. 

The work of such a soul is to bless mankind with its purity, 
sweetness and divinity ; to convert the passions of men ; to un- 
cover the eyes of the ignorant, and bring the world from dark- 
ness into light. Dwell upon such a love until the warm glow 
of its divine fire illumines your soul and suffuses your life and 
being with a halo of glory. 

[End of Eleventh Lesson.) 



Il8 THE SECRET OF UFE ; 



TWELFTH LES50N. 



" In the lexicon of youth, which fate reserves for a bright manhood, there is no such 

word as fail."— Bulwer. 

Part I— Breathing. 

In breathing many more exercises might be given. New 
ones will suggest themselves to the student. If you have prac- 
ticed faithfully you will very soon, if not already, develop a 
magnificent pair of lungs, which will throw off and resist con- 
sumptive tendencies, colds and all weaknesses the lungs are 
subject to. You will have laid the foundation for vigorous 
health, physical endurance, long life and a green old age. 
With such a foundation it will be possible to go forward and 
build upon it a physique full of strength, grace, beauty, sym- 
metry and magnetic attraction ; an intellect developed, round- 
ed and keen, freed from the depressing, destructive and gloomy 
influence of a weak, delicate and unhealthy body ; a soul alive 
to its possibilities and filled with aspiration for the exalted 
things in life. 

The purpose of exercises is to cultivate full habit. When 
the habit of breathing deeply is formed a few of the exercises 
may be selected for daily practice to keep the lungs well ex- 
panded and in constant, active, full use. It is so easy to retro- 
grade. Do not weaken your foundation by neglect. 

For many weeks practice the mechanical, Exs. 18, 58, 59, 60, 
81, 82, 106, 108, 127 and 187. Also the full breath with the 
electric, Exs. 151, 152, 153, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173 and 174. 
And the breathing with concentration, Exs. 129, 147, 148, 167, 
168 and 186. Make your selections for daily practice. All are 
good. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. II9 

Part II — Movements of the Body. 

As in the breathing, the exercises in movements might be 
multiplied. Other systems in grace and gesture will teach the 
student many more and their applications. Intelligent study 
and thought will direct in the use of what we have gone over. 
Our main work has been to make pliable the body and its 
members and bring all under the domination of the mind. The 
body being thus pliable and subjective, will respond readily in 
grace and harmony of movement and attitude. So harmonic 
vibrations must necessarily proceed from such movements or 
attitudes. 

Exercises for daily practice may be selected from the ones 
given on Poise, Oppositions, Electro-Magnetic and Touch, and 
should be continued. 

Movements with electro-magnetic touch or passes, combined 
with concentration, are employed with much power in the cur- 
ing of ills of the body. By developing this power you will 
grow into a knowledge of how to use it. Each one will acquire 
his or her own special ways of exercising it. All ills cannot 
be treated alike. Neither all persons. A few suggestions will 
be offered later. 

Lastly, with reference to movements of the body, it may be 
said — when such movements are made in obedience to the impulse 
given by the Principle of Life, they must of necessity be con- 
structive in the objective world, and constructive in the greatest 
degree, both as to speed a?id energy. On the other hand, if 
movements of the body are spasmodic, undisciplined and uncon- 
trolled by the Principle of Life, they must of necessity be useless 
or destructive, and that corresponding to the degree of such mis- 
directioyi or uncontrol. Hence, discipline and training of the 
body are absolutely necessary. 



120 THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

Part HI— The Voice. 

We have given exercises for the voice which will cover a 
training of two years. Persist in the drill. It may be drudg- 
ery and uninspiring both to yourself and others, but you can 
not afford to neglect the culture of the voice, for so much de- 
pends upon it. You are continually using your voice. The 
expression w r ith the vocal organs is the bodily form of the men- 
tal picture or thought. If the bodily form be well made, it 
will have a powerful effect upon the one who hears and takes 
it into the mind, and so reconverts it into a picture and then a 
creation in his own world. According to the construction of this 
bodily form, be it good or ill, will depend its effect, both upon 
yourself by reflex action and upoyi the 07ie who hears, by direct 
vibration. 

The character of the tones — their modulation, fullness, rich- 
ness, roundness and coloring — depend upon the conception and 
realization in the mind or soul world, of that which inspires such 
quality. 

This thought will mould the vocal organs to vibrate in har- 
mony. The organs having been made pliable before by long 
exercise, will readily conform to the requirements of the senti- 
ment. The tones of the voice falling in harmonious vibrations 
upon the ear, will quiet, soothe, fascinate, stir, arouse, inspire, 
thrill or captivate according to the impulse given. 

The Parent, the Teacher, the Singer, the Actor, the Orator, 
can use their voice mightily in building up or tearing down, in 
constructing or destroying. This mighty medium for construc- 
tion should be as pliable and sensitive as the keys of an instru- 
ment over which the soul might sweep, in response to its 
Divine impulse. Such touch would send forth harmonic vibra- 
tions, trembling with constructive energy and fitting in with 
enduring life in the cosmic structure. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 121 

Part IV— The Eye. 

Continue daily for a time Ex. 141, with the body dead still. 
When you have acquired perfect control of the eyes and body, 
you may cease the practice and continue Ex. 122. One can 
scarcely estimate the results of a calm, steady gaze. It gives 
you a wonderful mastery over situations. To a public speak- 
er, teacher or lawyer it is invaluable. The steady gaze of the 
eye sends forth a continuous stream of vibrations, unbroken by 
winking or weakness. If the eye is thoroughly energized, the 
effect of these vibrations is overwhelming, not only upon a 
single individual but over a large body of people. 

One who has cultivated this highly magnetic eye, at the same 
time having developed and brought into subjection the other 
four mediums, possesses unlimited power. We will cite one or 
two cases as illustrations among thousands. Bernard of Clair- 
vaux (1150 A. D.) : " He sw T ept every opposition before him. 
His presence was more effective than armies. His dominion 
over the minds of men was complete. High and low followed 
him into the rigorous life of the monastery. Scarcely any 
could resist his influence. Henry, son of Louis VI, visited him 
and soon after declared his intention of becoming a monk. 
Andrew of Paris, enraged at his folly, left Clairvaux with 
curses, but before dawn returned and followed his master's ex- 
ample. Mothers hid their sons, wives their husbands, compan- 
ions their friends, lest they should be led captive by his per- 
suasive powers. His eloquence sent the warriors of France and 
Germany on their second crusade."* 

Dr. Philip Hubert, Financial Secretary of Livingstone Col- 
lege, one of the most remarkable institutions of the age, and 
who so kindly offered a commendatory introduction to this lit- 
tle book, is a striking illustration of the magnetic power of the 



* Fisher's Church History and Life of Bernard. 



122 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

eye, voice, body and mentality combined. In the earlier part 
of his public career his eyes possessed intense penetrating 
power. The strongest eyes were unable to gaze into his for 
more than ten seconds without shifting. There seemed to dart 
from them brilliant tongues of light. Xot understanding how 
to check the intense nervous energy generated by an intense 
brain, the intensity almost burned out the vitality and nearly de- 
stroyed the eyesight. It has been partially restored by arsenic. 
Yet with only one-fourth the original power of the eye, they 
still possess much brilliancy. And when he draws from the 
magnetic forces and sends out a stream of electric energy, gath- 
ered from the reserve, intensified by a sonorous voice and a 
developed, rounded brain of intense concentrative power, the 
effect upon his hearers is simply irresistible. He carries 
everything before him. 

When he pleads for money for his great college no one can 
resist. Meeting upon one occasion with the Lord Chief Justice 
of England, he asked him for a gift. He was refused. Fixing 
his eyes upon the Chief Justice he said: "You must." It is 
needless to say he got his gift. Dr. Hubert said, "That the 
only w T ay for people to avoid giving when he wills it, is for 
them to keep out of his way." 

The law is this — The powerful, active brain creates' by intense 
vibratio?is a mental picture, and projects that picture upoyi the 
mind of another. The demand is positive. The attitude is 
intense. Xo one not understanding the law can fortify them- 
selves against this vibratory influence. Xo matter what the 
object or desire would be, the results are the same. 

The magnetic eye will subdue the passions of men and ani- 
mals. It will draw to you whatsoever and whomsoever you 
will. The teacher or parent has a most potent means for sub- 
duing the refractory child. Through it the actor can charm 
his audience, the lawyer w T in his case, the clergyman convert 
his hearers, the leader command his followers, the physician 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 23 

control his patients, and the orator sway the multitude. It is 
a wonderful instrument for good or ill, but woe unto the person 
who uses this divi?ie instrument for selfish, wrong- or evil pur- 
poses. There is a reflex action which rebounds with tenfold 
force upon the person who uses any high gift or power for un- 
worthy ends. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
reap." 

Part V— The Hentality. 

The mentality is the pivotal point, upon which should be 
balanced the lower and the higher being of man. The physi- 
cal body with its animal soul of desire, if allowed to get the as- 
cendancy will drag down the higher man and "drown it in 
perdition." The great struggle in life is to subjugate the low- 
er man, utilize his forces and transmute them into Divine energy, 
for creation in the soul's world. It is not renouncing the de- 
sires of the lower or crushing them out, but elevating those de- 
sires, so that they become spiritual, pure, right, and serve the 
highest and wisest ends. To preserve a balance of the lower 
and higher is impossible without an unfolded mentality. A de- 
veloped mentality will make* utterly impossible all species of 
criminality, insanity, extremism or fanaticism.* 

The balanced, centered, poised or equilibriated human being 
then is one whose every body sense and desire is keen and 
alive, whose every faculty of mentality stirs with active life, 
and whose soul forces operate with conscious existence in the 
interior world. This triune being is as the magnetized needle, 
which, being perfectly centered, invariably points to the mount 
of divinity, the summit of existence, the goal of upward life, 
eternal happiness. 

The directions given in the exercises indicate the easiest, the 
most natural and best methods for developing every faculty of 



* Read " Art of Mind Building," by Prof. Elmer Gates, Director of the Laboratory 
of Psychology and Psychurgy, Wash., D. C. 



124 THE SECRET OF IJFE ; 

the mentality. It is not a laborious course, but a royal road to 
knowledge and power. Every part of the way presents new, 
beautiful and inspiring things, which open up into avenues, 
gorgeous with living realities in the interior world — the real 
world. 

Part VI— Regimen. 

While there are many, many things necessarily passed by in 
this work, yet is it entirely necessary to point out things which 
a little study and forethought would suggest as rational to ob- 
serve or avoid ? The body must be cared for. Ever study it 
and its needs. Experience will teach what to observe. The 
few suggestions if followed will bring the most gratifying re- 
sults. 

It is not necessary by any means to become a slave to the 
physical and its demands, but rather that the body and its re- 
quirements be tempered by the law of expediency and made to 
serve in the best possible manner the high ends of life. 

One thing well observed will lead to another necessary. If 
the suggestions given are not followed, scarcely more are 
needed. The body furnishes the conditions which make it 
possible for the soul to learn its first lessons in the laws of life 
on the lowest objective plane. How necessary, then, that 
every possible advantage be given it in its wise care. 

Part VII— Moral Regime. 

x\s we already said, " The moral life furnishes the basis for 
all that is possible in the physical, mental and psychic being 
of the individual." Develop the highest standard of moral 
character, for thereby is made possible the greatest degree of 
culture and refinement of the body, the most brilliant achieve- 
ments of the intellect, and the most intense powers and ex- 
alted purpose of soul life. Upon this basis alone can you at- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 25 

tain to the greatest measure of success and power. Follow 
the course we have laid out. 

The greatest degree of power is the power for good. The 
one who turns aside to use his acquired powers for selfish or 
evil ends, turns from the greater to the lesser. The law of 
retrogression takes effect in the life and being of such an one. 
Doing the unworthy or the lesser of that which he is capable 
of doing, he thus loses sight of the worthy and greater and 
becomes involved in the conditions which he has made for 
himself, so his light goes out in darkness. But the one whose 
life and powers are spent in doing good for humanity, intensi- 
fies those powers until such an one becomes, indeed, a savior 
of mankind. 

{End of Twelfth Lesson.) 



126 THE SECRET OP UFE ; 



FINAL STUDY. 

By knowledge there is liberty and mystery ceases to be. 

Healing Disease. — Having learned somewhat of anatomy and 
power of concentration and attained some skill in diagnosis, 
you will be able to locate the ill. Now concentrate upon the 
organic disarrangement, at the same time awakening the sub- 
consciousness of the individual and inspire faith and resolu- 
tion in the patient to throw off the condition. You may or 
may not employ electro- magnetic touch or passes, according 
to the nature of the complaint and conditions. By this process 
you set up constructive or corrective vibrations, which change 
the local condition and also the whole mental attitude of the 
patient. The disease yields in somewhat the same manner as 
it would by corrective medicine. Medicine would set up sim- 
ilar vibrations if the diagnosis and prescription were correct. 
But these often fail if the mental attitude of the patient be 
opposed. 

The limit of one's power depends upon the knowledge of 
the case, the power of concentration, the harmonious adjust- 
ment between operator and patient, the excitation of faith and 
co-operation in the patient and faith of the operator. At the 
same time all dependent upon the unfolded spiritual power of 
the one who undertakes to cure. There is positively no limit 
as to what one may accomplish if the laws are complied with. 
The most stubborn cases will yield as if by magic. Neither is 
one always limited by space, for, understanding transmission 
of thought and energy, distance need not prevent successful 
results. 

The principles involved are these : ist — Psychic and physical 
influences and surroundings acting directly upon the conscious 
and subconscious mind ; or objective and subjective states. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. I 27 

2nd — The action of the conscious mind directly upon the sub- 
consciousness in awakening faith in one's own powers. 

3rd — The conscious and subconscious mind acted upon by direct 
effort of the conscious will, in arousing resolution to throw off the 
illy weakness, pain or disease. 

The law of induction as alluded to in Sec. 4, Par. 15, First 
Study, is powerfully felt in healing. The person who has 
learned how to develop or intensify their electrical energy and 
conserve their powers by magnetic force, will be able to trans- 
mit that electric force by powerful vibrations through passes, 
stroking or touch. This involves the principles of Sec. 5, 
First Study. Furthermore, the student who has well studied 
and practiced the lessons of this book may be able to give forth 
vital, life giving, electro-magnetic powers and yet not be de- 
pleted. (See Principles, First and Second Study.) 

By applying the principles set forth in the theory, we may 
be quite able to understand w 7 hy it is that we are affected in 
peculiar ways by the contact or near approach of certain per- 
sons to ourselves. The mind radiates the impulse and the 
forces transmit the thought, desire or will. 

Thought Transmission. — Metapsychosis, Telepathy. Henry 
Drummond said : "Speech, whether by written or by spoken 
word, is too crude and slow to keep pace with the needs of the 
now swiftly ascending mind. The mind is feeling about al- 
ready for more perfect forms of human intercourse than tele- 
graphed or telephoned w r ords. However little w T e know of it, 
however little we believe it, telepathy, theoretically, is the 
next stage in the evolution of language." 

Telepathy is not all to be learned yet. It is practiced by 
many. But few understand the laws. In our exercises under 
Mentality we have laid the foundation for practical telepathy 
or thought transmission. All based upon the law of vibra- 
tions. Our whole study thus far has been, to master the prin- 
ciples underlying this power and life. The principles are : 



128 THE SECRET OF EIFE J 

ist — A knowledge of the forces of life exteriorly and interiorly. 
This we have presented in theory, which can only become 
knowledge by putting into practice the exercises which will 
•develop that knowledge. Knowledge is the fruit of experiment. 

2nd — Ability to create powerful mental pictures. This we 
have sought to accomplish by exercises in imagination, 
thought creation, memory, language and meditation. 

3rd — Ability to give perfect bodily form to these mental crea- 
tions. Thorough cultivation of the mediums of expression, 
by the long series of exercises set forth, makes this possible. 

4th — Ability to project these living creations to a?iy local point. 
This transmission of the thought or picture is accomplished by 
harmonic vibrations of the ether, and becomes a living creation 
before the mind of the one who receives. The harmonic vi- 
brations are produced only by the power of concentration. 
The series of exercises in Concentration will develop this 
power. 

5th — Ability to receive and recognize the transmission. This 
means, of course, a receptivity, which is possible by passivity. 
Repeated practice of Ex. 125 will develop this receptive and 
impressional state. 

6th — Perfect harmony between the operators. This harmony 
makes it possible for reciprocal vibrations. Of course, possess- 
ing a knowledge of the foregoing principles and a development 
of the powers requisite, both persons are able to free them- 
selves from all disturbing elements, anxiety and lack of faith, 
and so may be able to give and receive communications with 
perfect ease. 

By these principles one may possess great power in curing 
diseases at a distance. With Henry Drummond we say, It is 
the life, in the unfoldment of the human race to which we are 
fast hastening. It is this psychic power which pervades all 
life, seen or unseen. A lack of knowledge of which surrounds 
us in mystery. When we arouse ourselves and consult and 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 29 

hearken to the oracle, the voice of God within, we will know 
the Secret of Life. 

Retaining the Vital Forces by Retreat. — Here we have the most 
necessary of all acquirements — to be able to hold yourself so 
that another does not draw upon you and exhaust your forces. 
The vital forces are given out and absorbed by close contact 
and in conversation with persons, or by psychic influence 
while you are in passive conditions, also during activity. 

It is necessary to become passive at times in order to con- 
serve and accumulate the vital forces and receive interiorly. 
This is provided for in Ex. 125, but while in such passive 
conditions and during sleep the mind ought to be polarized 
previous to entering the state, to the very best, the highest, 
the true, and the embodiment of strength and wisdom. While 
you are giving out energetically you are liable to become soon 
depleted. Stop at times, gather your forces, centralize them 
within yourself and draw upon the forces of others. This can 
be accomplished by direct effort. When you are being drawn 
upon too much, arouse, gather yourself together and retreat 
within your own being, fixing the mind upon the pineal gla?id 
in the interior of the brain. 

Of course such information is not given you to use for sel- 
fish purposes, but in order that you may know how to protect 
yourself. If you are the object of abuse, or anger, or hatred, 
retreat within yourself. Close all entrances by direct effort, 
and the malicious weapons will fall harmlessly, and, what is 
more, will rebound with dreadful effect upon the one using 
them. 

Utilization of the Vital Forces. — There is one thing which 
must not be forgotten in these studies, and that is — by the law 
of generation and economy of forces you may be able to ac- 
cumulate more vital energy than you can ordinarily work 
off. This will either stagnate and breed physical and mental 
evils or drive you into questionable practices which will react 



130 THE SECRET OF LIFE ) 

against you physically, mentally and morally, and destroy the 
poise of your character. You must employ your energies 
wisely in constructive acts. Find your place in the world of 
activity. There is a work for you, either with your hands or 
brains, or both. Idleness breeds disease of body or mind. 
The law of disintegration take effect, and^death of virtue, use- 
fulness and powers follow. 

The law of vibration prevails ever. ' ' As a man thinketh, so 
is he," for he immediately or continuously sets up vibrations 
which confirm or objectify the thought. The thought is 
worked out in the life and becomes the life or character. If a 
man repent of what he has done, the act of repentance sets up 
vibrations in opposition to the past habit, and so gradually or 
suddenly changes his character according to the intensity of 
the vibrations set up. 

Life is made up of " to be or not to be" it is or it is not, I 
can or I can't, I must or I must not, I will or I will not. 

Vibrations are the subtle, potent factors of the universe of 
existence. By them all things are formed and conform to the 
impulse which produces them. By what varying influences is 
poor man beset from within and without ! Truly, eternal vig- 
ilance is the price of life. 

The Law of Prosperity. — If you would be prosperous in life, 
consider this — the condition in which you are is the very best 
for you. You are there to learn a lesson. When you have 
gotten out of those conditions all there is in them for you, then 
you are ready to occupy new conditions. It may be you got 
into those conditions through violating some law or laws, or 
through a combination of circumstances by which you might 
learn a valuable lesson in life for your soul's progress. When 
you have learned the lesson you are ready to go on. You 
would not wish to go on before you learned the lesson, be- 
cause you would be obliged to go back again and again. If 
you are not out of those conditions, nor^seem to be able to get 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 131 

out, study the reason. There is a reason. Power follows 
knowledge, and knowledge is the fruit of experience. Knowl- 
edge teaches you all things. Therefore, knowledge teaches 
you how to prosper in life. 

Life is for us to enjoy and be happy. If you are not happy 
it is because you have not learned life's lessons aright. The 
favored ones in life are not those born with an inheritance, no 
more than those born in poverty. Riches do not give wisdom, 
neither happiness. Wealth is an illusion. Happiness con- 
sisteth in knowing things and the true value of money. A 
knowledge of the true value of money teaches one how to use 
it. Why should you have money before you know how to 
use it ? When you know how to use money aright you will 
have it. Because all things come to the one zvho is ready. 
When you are ready to make the right use of money you will 
be strong. You will be able to hold yourself, a calm, recep- 
tive center. You will be able to send forth strong vibrations 
of desire, in harmony with the laws of plenty and utility. 
The reflex influence of those vibrations will carry upon their 
bosom nature's lavish gifts, for the ministering Angels of 
Light slumber not, nor ever forget their charge. The Golden 
Key will also unlock the doors of plenty. 

Do you not see that the possessions of those who have much 
money, and are foolish in the use of it, are but snares that 
bring them into sorrowful conditions, out of which they will 
have to struggle hard and long ? Better then to be poor until 
you are ready to become rich. For it is easier for most people 
to learn life's lesson in poverty than in riches, else then, why 
so many poor, for life is a school. Ignorance of Divine laws 
dwells with the masses, and the masses are poor. When the 
masses become wise in Divine things, no one will be wealthy 
nor poor. Because no one would seek to overburden himself 
with riches, nor yet be content to dwell in ignorance and pov- 
erty. That is the time u when every man shall sit down un- 



132 THE SECRET OF LIFE; 

der his own vine and fig tree." If you are in poverty to-day, 
it is because you will not profit by what is past. 

If you are ready to tise money aright, observe these direc- 
tions. Never say, " I am poor, I can't afford it, I wish I were 
rich, It is so hard to get along, Oh, my, I have got to econo- 
mize so, Times are fearfully hard," and all such expressions 
or thoughts. If times are hard, never let on. If you are 
poor or short of money, do not publish it abroad. If you have 
to economize, do so and say nothing about it. 

The principles involved are these : 1st — The world has no 
use for an unsuccessful person or one who is down. Never let 
the w r orld get an idea you are down. Keep up a good front 
by rigid economy. There is always some way to do this, and 
that without borrowing. Never borrow money. 2nd — By con- 
sta?itly talking or dwelling upo?i your imaginary hardships, you 
create by co?iti?iuous vibrations stro?ig me?ital pictures. These 
mental pictures or psychic conditions you project upon all 
with whom you come in contact. People instinctively recog- 
nize your condition and avoid you. Unconsciously they obey 
the psychic law, for you are a menace to success, because the 
vibrations you set up are inharmonious or destructive. It is 
for this reason so many find it hard to get a foothold after once 
losing it. 

If you perceive the truth of the above, you are now ready to 
set up the opposite vibrations. To do this be hopeful, be 
cheerful, be prudent, be thoughtful. Be read)' to take advan- 
tage of opportunities— they always come. Fix your mind and 
purpose upon some definite, rational end, and never lose faith 
for a single moment. The intense vibrations will bring to you 
your desire or a similar one. The law of vibration never fails. 

Divine Marriage. — While custom and social laws may sanc- 
tion the union of one man and one woman, it cannot make 
divine nor holy, such marriage. Divine marriage is a perfect 
union in body, mentality a?id soul. As the three are perfectly 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 33 

poised in the truly unfolded person, centering in the mental- 
ity, so the two persons, male and female, alike unfolded on 
the three planes, are joined together in divine marriage. A 
perfect blending and interblending of the natures, positive and 
negative. Making in the union of the six, a seventh. A 
complete expression as man and wife. ' ' And the tw r ain shall 
be one flesh." " What therefore God hath joined together let 
not man put asunder." And, indeed, such two would never 
seek to go asunder. For such there would need be no divorce 
court. Such marriage would be productive of the highest 
felicity. Its fruit would be sons and daughters in the image 
of God. 

Many persons are attracted together on the animal plane — 
the sense plane. This is animal magnetism. Often times 
people imagine they are in love because strongly drawn tow- 
ards each other. They hasten to the marriage altar only to find 
in a short time there was no equality on the mental plane or 
none on the soul plane. Physical attraction can not bridge 
over the gulf between mentalities or souls. Physical attrac- 
tion is superficial. It passes quickly away. The mind and 
spirit journey on and on. If the two minds or souls be not on 
the same plane, one is left behind in the eternal march, and so 
a great gulf yawns betwixt, and not all the bonds forged by 
man can make those twain one. 

Here is the law. The cause of unending complications in 
social life. None so little understood. None more violated. 
The study of Harmonic Vibration, as has been set forth, teaches 
a knowledge of the subtle attractions on the three planes. Its 
great aim and end is a cultured and unfolded future generation 
of men and women. A generation whose strongly sexed life 
in the physical shall be under the domination of the equally 
strong intellect, which mentality in turn shall be illumined by 
the spiritual soul. All exalted to conscious knowledge, 
freedom and fullness of Divine life. Thus would the law of 



134 TH ^ SECRET OF LIFE; 

fitness prevail, and weakness, deformity, unhappiness and 
folly vanish with the ignorance and unfitness of the past and 
universal man finally reach the goal, his high ideal. 

The Golden Key. — One more parting thought. If you would 
grow into the realization of all that is indicated in this system, 
you must use constantly the Golden Key.* Without it you 
cannot possibly hope to know what we have attempted to set 
before you. Again we say, all knowledge proceeds from within. 

This is the meaning of those words, ' ' The Lord is with you 
w T hile ye be with him ; and if ye seek him, he will be found of 
you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you." This is 
1 ' the still, small voice. " This is the ' ' Spirit that is given to 
every man to profit withal." This is the signification of the 
High Priest's entrance into the " Holy of Holies. " In the es- 
tablishment of the new age, the age of light, the veil was rent 
in twain. Every man may enter into the holiest place. 

Within the secret chambers of your own being, face to face 
with the Spirit of Life, the eternal Father, all knowledge will 
be revealed to you. Listen to what is told you (your impres- 
sions), follow them, obey them, and the secret of the universe 
is yours. 

Not in one life nor in one age will you possess the secret, 
but through growing ages you will pass on and in to still 
deeper recesses, where one eternal day succeeds the other, un- 
folding new intensities of powers and creations in still widen- 
ing realms of existence. Farewell, student — faith, courage 
and persistence, and yours shall be the Secret of Life. 

{End of Final Study.) 



* (See See. 7, Second Study.) Retire in your chamber in silence or in the fields or 
woods, away from the sound of human voice or disturbances. Alone with nature and 
nature's God (Ex. 125) and listen to the voices of the silence. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 35 



TWELVE FORMULAS. 

We could furnish some brilliant testimonials as to remark- 
able results following the use of these specifics. For these we 
have neither time nor space, nor is it necessary. If you are at 
present suffering with any of the ails alluded to, use the reme- 
dies and you will be delighted at the results. 

I. Kidney Troubles. — Get Iyithiated Hydrangea. It is a specific 
and is put up in 8 oz. bottles. Take a teaspoonful three times a day, be- 
fore meals, in hot water. It is mild and effective. 

II. Bowel Disorders. — Use two or three times a week, or once a 
week, hot enemas. Use as hot as bearable and inject from a quart to 
half a gallon. It is not only a relief and cure for constipation, but for 
diarrhoea and piles. It is most valuable in dyspepsia and many internal 
disarrangements. For the kidneys retain a second injection of a pint; 
or more at night. Take no pills. If any other assistance is required 
kneed the stomach and bowels. Regularity will do much to counteract 
constipation. There are no ill results from enemas. Use of bran and 
wheat, already spoken of, will regulate. This remedy is valuable in. 
many ways. 

III. Liver Complaints. — Take six tablespoonsful pure Olive Oil 
before retiring. In the morning citrate of magnesia, one or two doses. 
The most astonishing results will follow. One dose is sufficient to work 
wonders in the most aggravated case. Repeat in two or three weeks if 
necessary. 

IV. Cold on The Lungs.— Make a large pancake of oat meal, 
stirred with a cup or more of vinegar. Apply hot over the lungs. Re- 
peat. Retain until relieved, or all night. In very severe cases apply 
before and behind. This has saved life when all other remedies failed. 

V. La Grippe. — Take asafoetida, 4 grain pills, four times a day. 
Take as soon as the grip is felt and continue until cured. 

VI. Prevention of Colds. — Wear silk next the lungs before and 
behind constantly. On rising in the morning, open the windows wide> 
remove all clothing and rub yourself vigorously with a coarse brush, at 



136 THE SECRET OF LIFE J 

the same time take deep breaths and hold. This is an air bath and 
most valuable. Do not be afraid of taking cold, begin with exposure 
for a minute or two. The most delicate constitution can endure this, 
while cold water would be too great a shock to the system. The sponge 
or plunge bath may be taken later in the day or before retiring. With 
this precaution and other directions given, you will not be afflicted 
with colds.* 

VII. Blood Diseases — Take of Yellow Dock, Dandelion, Sarsap- 
arilla, Mandrake, Burdock roots, Wild Cherry and Cascara barks to the 
value often cents each. Put in a pan, cover with water and let simmer 
until strength is well out. Strain. W T hen cold add one pint alcohol. 
The whole will make two quarts and a half. Sweeten to desire. Dose 
from teaspoonful to small wine glass, three times before meals, daily. 

VIII. Asthma, Catarrh and Lung Troubles. — Take Oil of Tar, 
five drops in a teaspoonful honey, gradually increase to ten drops, three 
or four times a day. Keep up until cured. Also inhale the fumes of a 
few drops of burning tar daily. Asthmatics will obtain almost entire 
relief if they will live out of the fog belt and where they can breathe the 
fumes of bilge water. 

IX. Affections of the Eyes. — Bind over the eyes one or two 
thicknesses of white cloth saturated with witch hazel, diluted at first 
one half. Let a few drops into the eyes. Keep on all night. Wet fre- 
quently. Keep up for months if needed. It is simple but most effective 
in removing inflammation and strengthening. Still better, bathe the 
eyes before retiring with hot water, having the cloth well saturated with 
the witch hazel. Bathe for half an hour. 

X. For the Face. — Take tincture Benzoin (Balsam Peru), mix a small 
quantity with equal parts extract Witch Hazel and Rosewater. Add de- 
sired perfume. A rich, milky lotion is the result. Experience will de- 
termine the amount of benzoin. Rub on the face once or twice a day. 
It keeps the skin soft and healthy and prevents roughness, wrinkles , 
chaps and black heads. Valuable after shaving. If ladies desire to use 
any powder, rub on the face evenly while still damp, not wet, then 
well remove with a soft cloth. It will leave a beautiful, delicate com- 
plexion. The practice of using cosmetics indiscriminately is to be con- 
demned, but this is a simple preparation perfectly harmless and yield- 



* Soda is given as a valuable cure for cold in the head. Take 20 to 30 grains in half 
a glass of water every half hour for three doses, a fourth dose an hour after. Begin as 
soon as the cold is felt. 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 37 

ing the best of results. Flattering testimonials of those who have used 
this for years could be given. The preparation is sold at a high figure. 

XI. Insomnia. — As you lie down compose yourself. Perfectly re- 
lax every part of the body. Close the eyes. Turn the eyeballs upwards as 
in sleep. Now persistently refuse to entertain any thought. Breathe 
very softly and deep. Before you know it you will be asleep. It is un- 
failing. If troubled with heat in the head or feet, bathe the feet for 
half an hour before retiring in hot water and then splash cold water 
upon them. Also take, to cool the blood, from a teaspoon to a table- 
spoon full of cream tartar for a few evenings or mornings. Or take sev- 
eral times a week fine sulphur, as much as will lie on the point of a 
pen knife. If you would insure a full night's sleep, rise early. 

XII. Brain and Muscle Elixir.— Get an ounce of Fluid Extract 
of Xola. Put it in a quart of good port wine. Take a small wine glass 
full three times a day. It may not be generally known, but this is the 
cheapest and most effective way of taking this most valuable of nature's 
gifts. It gives very beneficial results for brain and muscle work. 
No ill effects. This is used extensively in many forms. 

All of the above have been most thoroughly tested by very 
many persons. They are of great value. These prescriptions 
are not given to take the place of the higher law of dealing 
with the physical, but simply as aids to those who must needs 
have external helps. A cripple may use a crutch, but when 
well throws it away. You who have unfolded and come into 
possession of your secret powers will have little need for the 
above. 



I3S THE SECRET OF LIFE ; 

Extension of the School of Health and 

Culture. 

Knowing the great benefits and possibilities of this S3^stem of 
study, the author desires to extend the School of Health and 
Culture beyond the limits of San Francisco. This can be done 
by establishing branch schools in other towns and cities. 
These schools may be in the character of clubs w T hich meet for 
practice, encouragement and study, or classes under the direc- 
tion of competent teachers. As to the stimulus and benefit of 
class study above solitary study, there can be no question, 
even if there be but two or three. 

It is a wise thing to establish a center of vibratory radiation 
and to keep in touch with that center, and then again, lesser 
centers, they in touch with the large center. This is in har- 
mony with the great law of the universe and universal life 
and attraction. Upon this law is based the saying, " No man 
liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself." Every stu- 
dent of this system will be enrolled in the general roll at San 
Francisco (name and address), and will be informed from time 
to time as to advantages. Communications are solicited from 
students, giving experiences along these lines of study. Val- 
uable experiences will be published. Students desiring will 
be placed in correspondence with other students. This will 
furnish an opportunity for practice and unfoldment in tele- 
pathy. 

Whenever classes can be organized to warrant, the author 
will visit and give a thorough course of lessons which will be 
of incalculable value to the student or teacher. Let any one 
feel at liberty to organize such a school or class and communi- 
cate the same. Such schools can radiate inestimable good to 
communities. Truly, as Prof. Hubert says in his introduc- 



OR, HARMONIC VIBRATION. 1 39 

tion, li A new generation will emerge from the class room and 
home by a careful study and digestion of the system" 

In these public lesson courses much, very much, is given 
which can not be incorporated in this little work. The method 
of instruction is so entirely original as to surprise and delight 
by its simplicity and naturalness. In the opening of the public 
lesson courses the public is invited to open halls. Send ten 
cents for registration fee, with your name, address and number 
to headquarters. 

Address all communications to 

FRANCIS KING, 

School of Health and Culture, 

621 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, Cal. 

Price of " The Secret of Life, or Harmonic Vibration," is 
$2.00. 

This book is the property of ^^J^V^^ 

No. is/#r ^e^yy/ O ^^ f\ K-£ JV^ 



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